Origin & Meaning of the Keenan Surname
What does the last name Keenan mean?
The surname Keenan carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 20,353 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Keenan ranks as the #1,765 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Keenan come from?
The Keenan surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Keenan name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Keenan trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Keenan |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,765 |
| US Count (2010) | 20,353 |
| Per 100K People | 6.9 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Keenan
According to the US Census, the Keenan surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 20,353 Americans with the Keenan last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 92.87% |
| Black | 2.22% |
| Hispanic | 2.29% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.65% |
| Native American | 0.43% |
| Two or More Races | 1.54% |
Popularity of Keenan Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Keenan surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Keenan surname increased by 1,078 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Keenan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Keenan
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