Last Name Keehan

The surname Keehan is an Anglicized form of the Irish name "Mac Aodháin" or "Mac Eodha", which mean 'son of Aodhán' or 'son of Eochaidh'. These Gaelic names are derived from the personal names Aodhán, meaning 'fire', and Eochaidh, meaning 'horse', both of which have religious connotations in Irish mythology. The surname Keehan is most commonly found among the Irish and Scottish populations. Its origin can be traced back to the Early Middle Ages, specifically to the Kingdom of Munster in Ireland.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Keehan

The meaning and origin of the last name Keehan

The surname Keehan is an Anglicized form of the Irish name "Ó Catháin," which means "descendant of Cathán." Cathán was originally a personal name derived from the Gaelic term "cath," meaning battle or warrior, and "-án" used to denote a descendant. The family originated in County Kerry, Ireland. The Anglicization occurred during English colonization when Irish names were often anglicized due to cultural and linguistic assimilation. Over time, the surname has taken various forms including Keane, Keaney, and Keehan, with Keehan being a more common variation found in counties Kerry and Cork.

Geographical distribution of the last name Keehan

The surname Keehan is predominantly of Irish origin and is most prevalent in Ireland, particularly in counties such as Cork, Limerick, and Dublin, reflecting its historical roots in those regions. However, due to Irish immigration, notably during the Great Famine in the 19th century and later periods, the name Keehan can also be found in significant numbers in other countries, particularly in the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. In the U.S., the highest concentrations of Keehans are in states with large Irish-American populations, such as Massachusetts, New York, and Illinois. The name's distribution also reflects broader Irish diaspora patterns, with a presence in various English-speaking countries and regions where Irish immigrants settled.

Variants and spellings of the last name Keehan

The surname Keehan has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation over time. Some common variants include Keegan, Kegan, O'Keagan, O'Kegan, Keigan, and Kighin. These variations may arise from slight alterations in spelling, the addition or omission of the "O'", or changes in accent and pronunciation. In Irish Gaelic, the name is often written as Ó Ceaigáin, which translates to "descendant of Ceaghan". The anglicized form "Keehan" represents an attempt to represent the Irish pronunciation using English orthography.

Famous people with the last name Keehan

Notable individuals with the surname Keehan include:

1. Fr. Patrick J. Keehan (1894-1967), an American Catholic priest who served as the Superior General of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart from 1943 to 1953.

2. Tom Keehan (born 1960), a Canadian ice hockey coach and former player, best known for his time with the NHL's Ottawa Senators and New York Rangers.

3. Kathleen Keehan (born 1948), an American nurse who served as Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services from 2009 to 2015.

4. Conor Keehan (born 1972), a British journalist and author, known for his coverage of conflict zones such as Iraq, Afghanistan, and Israel-Palestine.

5. Sean Keehan (born 1963), an American actor, known for roles in films like "The Long Kiss Goodnight" and television shows like "NYPD Blue."

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as religion, sports, healthcare administration, journalism, and acting.

Genealogical research on the last name Keehan

The Keehan surname is an Anglicized form of the Irish and Scottish Gaelic names O'Ceallachain or Mac Ceallachain, derived from the personal name Ceallach. These Gaelic names mean "descendant of Ceallach", a diminutive of ceall, meaning "church" or "bald". The surname Keehan is primarily found in Ireland, particularly in counties Tipperary and Cork, indicating an origin from these regions. Some notable individuals with the Keehan surname include Richard Keehan, an Irish politician who served as a Teachta Dála (TD) for Fianna Fáil, and American actor Tom Keanahan, known for his roles in films such as The Departed and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Genealogical records suggest that the Keehan surname has a rich history in Ireland, with many branches and lineages extending back several centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Keehan"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 27 July 2025

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