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.
MeaningAncient; little ancient one; from Irish Gaelic Cianán (little Cian: ancient, enduring)
U.S. rank (2024)#1215 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births166 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1997
Total births (all-time)≈ 18,025
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
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
