Origin & Meaning of the Keene Surname
What does the last name Keene mean?
The surname Keene 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 17,711 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Keene ranks as the #2,032 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Keene come from?
The Keene 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 Keene name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Keene 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 | Keene |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,032 |
| US Count (2010) | 17,711 |
| Per 100K People | 6.0 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Keene
According to the US Census, the Keene surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 17,711 Americans with the Keene last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 85.17% |
| Black | 8.35% |
| Hispanic | 2.65% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.58% |
| Native American | 1.08% |
| Two or More Races | 2.17% |
Popularity of Keene Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Keene surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Keene surname increased by 550 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Keene Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Keene ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Keene Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Keene Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Keene
- ✓ The Keene coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Keene families live today
- ✓ Notable Keene bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Keene
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Keene.
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 Keene.
Frequently Asked Questions About Keene
Top Surnames Starting with K
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter K, ranked by population.
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