The surname Keating is an Anglicized form of the Irish name "Mac Cathmhaoil", which means "son of Cathmail". Cathmail was a byname meaning "wisdom" or "clever". This name is associated with several early Irish kings, including the legendary High King Niall of the Nine Hostages. The name Keating is most common in Ireland and among Irish diaspora communities.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Keating
The meaning and origin of the last name Keating
The surname Keating originates from Ireland and is a variant of the Gaelic name "Mac Cathmhaoil," which means "son of Cathmail." This name was originally taken as an anglicized form of various Irish names containing the element Cathal, meaning "battle" or "war." Over time, it evolved into Keating, with variations such as Keeghan and Keehey also found. The Keatings are part of the southern Irish septs, which were among the most powerful families in pre-Norman Ireland. Historically, they held extensive territories in counties Cork and Kerry, and were known for their military prowess and political influence. Today, the Keating name is found worldwide, particularly in Ireland, England, Scotland, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Geographical distribution of the last name Keating
The surname Keating is predominantly of Irish origin and is most prevalent in Ireland. According to data from various sources, counties such as Dublin, Cork, and Galway have the highest concentrations of individuals bearing this last name within the country. Outside of Ireland, significant populations of Keatings can be found in the United States, particularly in areas with a high Irish immigrant population like Boston and New York City. Additionally, notable numbers of people with the surname Keating reside in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand, reflecting the dispersal of Irish immigrants during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Variants and spellings of the last name Keating
The surname Keating can have various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and pronunciation over time and across regions. Some common spelling variants include Keaton, Keeatin, Keeating, Kayte, Kaiate, Keyte, Keighton, Keithen, and Kaytin. These variations may stem from different phonetic interpretations of the name or errors during transcription in historical records. Regardless of spelling, they all originate from the Irish Gaelic O Caoimh (anglicized as O'Keating), which translates to 'descendant of Caomh', meaning 'gentle' or 'handsome'. This name is primarily associated with Ireland and is most common in counties Clare, Limerick, and Kerry.
Famous people with the last name Keating
Notable individuals with the surname Keating include:
1. Brendan Francis Keating (born 1962), an American politician who served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania.
2. Paul Keating (born 1944), an Australian politician who served as the 24th Prime Minister of Australia from 1991 to 1996.
3. Sting (Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner, born 1951), a British musician and actor who has been known by his stage name since the 1980s. While not legally changing his surname, he is often referred to as Keating in reference to his birth name.
4. Mick Keating (born 1952), an English singer-songwriter and musician, best known for being a member of the band The Undertones.
5. John J. Keating Jr., a retired United States Army lieutenant general who served as the Superintendent of West Point from 2008 to 2011.
Genealogical research on the last name Keating
The surname Keating originates from Ireland and is primarily associated with County Kerry and County Cork. Historically, it is an anglicized form of the Gaelic O Ciardha, derived from the personal name Ciardha, which means "lofty," "chief," or "hero." The Keatings were a prominent sept in the Kingdom of Desmond, holding territories around the town of Castleisland. Some notable members of this clan include Cornelius O'Keefe, Archbishop of Tuam (1640-1659), and Thomas Keating, a central figure in the Catholic monastic reform movement in the 20th century. The Keatings also spread to other parts of Ireland, Scotland, England, and the United States due to emigration, particularly during the Great Famine in the mid-19th century. Today, the Keating name remains common among Irish diaspora communities worldwide.
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