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Keenan

♂ Boy

Pronounced KEE-nun /ˈkiː.nən/High

Meaning: Ancient; little ancient one; from Irish Gaelic Cianán (little Cian: ancient, enduring)High

In 30 seconds: An Irish Gaelic name meaning 'little ancient one' or 'little Cian,' from cian (ancient, enduring). Associated with comedian Kenan Thompson (spelled differently) and with the ancient depth of Irish naming tradition.

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Origin HighIrish

MeaningAncient; little ancient one; from Irish Gaelic Cianán (little Cian: ancient, enduring)

U.S. rank (2025)#1307 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births149 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1997

Total births (all-time)≈ 18,174

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Keenan is the anglicization of Irish Gaelic Cianán, a diminutive of Cian (ancient, enduring). Several early Irish saints bore this name. As a given name it has been used in Irish and Irish American communities.

Keenan ranked #1215 for boys in 2024.

Did you know? Cian — the root of Keenan — is one of the oldest Irish names still in use today. Cian mac Máel Muad (died 1014) was the son-in-law of Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland — his name Cian meaning 'ancient' could not be more appropriate for a man at the center of medieval Irish history.

Overall data confidence 87%

Behind the Name — Keenan — Irish Gaelic etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

KiernanKenan

Nicknames

Keen

Famous Bearers

★Keenan Ivory Wayans (1958-)
American actor, comedian and filmmaker
★Keenan Allen
American NFL wide receiver and Pro Bowl selection
★Keenan Cahill (1995-2022)
American YouTube lip-sync performer

If you like Keenan…

Kenan— Hebrew name sharing the same sound

Kieran— Irish Gaelic name with the same Celtic heritage

Cian— the parent name from which Keenan derives

Declan— Irish Gaelic -an ending name with the same Celtic character

Brennan— Irish -an ending surname name with the same breezy quality

Explore names like Keenan

By themetwo-syllable irish saint gaelic ancient

By meaningEternal

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Keenan mean?

Keenan means 'little ancient one,' from Irish Gaelic Cianán (diminutive of Cian: ancient, enduring).

How do you pronounce Keenan?

It's said KEE-nun — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Keenan a boy or girl name?

Keenan is used as a boys' name.

How popular is Keenan?

Keenan ranked #1215 for U.S. boys in 2024.