Surname Keeney - Meaning and Origin

Keeney: What does the surname Keeney mean?

The last name Keeney is of Irish-Gaelic origin and is derived from the surname Mac an Fhinn, which means 'son of fair or white one' in Irish-Gaelic. The surname Keeney is most prevalent in Ireland, England, and the United States. In Ireland, the surname Keeney was brought to British-controlled Ireland by Anglo-Norman settlers in the 12th and 13th centuries. In the United States, the surname Keeney is most prevalent in Pennsylvania and Maryland.

The Keeney family was a prominent one in Ireland's east coast, prominent for its military and religious leadership in the city of Cork. In addition, Keeney family members were high-ranking members of the Knights of Mac Gillacuddy and Knights of St. Patrick throughout the 17th and 18th centuries.

In the United States, the Keeney family has steadily moved westward since the late 1600s, with some branches settling in Virginia and Tennessee. Today, Keeney is a common surname among white Americans; the 2000 census listed the surname as the 176th most common name in the country.

The name Keeney carries with it the sense of loyalty, honor, and courage. These qualities are still embodied by many modern Keeneys, with the surname being used by a variety of figures such as Melissa Keeney, the manager of the popular rock band The Blues Travelers, and actor David Keeney of 21 Jump Street fame.

Keeney: Where does the name Keeney come from?

The last name Keeney is most commonly found in the United States today. According to the US Census Bureau, in 2020 there were 8,884 people with this surname. It is most prevalent in Pennsylvania, where 2,519 individuals by that name were counted.

The last name can also be found in other states in the US, including Ohio, Washington, California, New York, and North Carolina in that order. Canada also has a few hundred individuals with the same last name, many of whom live in Ontario and British Columbia. This family name is also present in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia, albeit in smaller numbers.

In the US, Keeney is most common among individuals born before 1950. This census data also suggests the name is of English origin, with the first instance of the surname recorded in Lincolnshire, England in 1599. The name probably derived from Cayney, and may have been a nickname for a person with curly hair.

The last name was likely a result of migration patterns. Many individuals bearing the surname likely headed west to make their fortunes, and settled in states like Pennsylvania and Ohio. Over time, as these families expanded, it is likely that the name spread to where it could be found in these areas today.

Variations of the surname Keeney

The surname Keeney is of Irish origin and comes from the Irish Gaelic surname Ó Cianáin. It has various spelling variations including Keaney, Keany, Keeney, Keany, Keney, Keane, Keane, and O'Keeny.

The surname Keeney can be traced back to the ancient Gaelic race of Ireland and is derived from the Grand Irish warrior, Ciardán, who founded the prominent Kianan race. Later on, the surname was further divided into a number of distinct clans, each having their own territory and ruling families.

In Scotland and Ireland the surname is spelled as Keeney. The prefix "O" is dependent on what part of Ireland a family originated from and is used in different regions of the country. In Scotland, the spelling is usually MacKeaney or MacKane, which are Anglicized versions of the original Gaelic names.

The surname Keeney is not as common in the United States as it is in Ireland and Scotland. A derivative of the surname was used by many early immigrants to America. A family of the surname Keane arrived in the United States in 1847 and settled in Boston, Massachusetts. The names Keehn and Kihn are also derived from the Keeney surname and can be found in the records of some of the earlier immigrants.

Today the surname is mostly popular in Europe and North America, with a large population in Ireland and Scotland. Northern Ireland has the highest population of surnames connected with Keeney. In the United States, it is the 25th most common last name. Overall, the surname Keeney is very widespread and can be found in many places across the world.

Famous people with the name Keeney

• Robert Keeney: Musician and composer best known for his work in progressive rock, funk, and jazz fusion.
• Jay Keeney: Canadian artist and filmmaker recognized for his videos, sculptures, and installations.
• Jana Keeney: Editor, makeup artist, beauty expert, and former reality television star.
• Forrest Keeney: Actor, director, and producer from the United Kingdom.
• Bart Keeney: Accomplished photographer specializing in outdoor and nature photography.
• Stuart Keeney: American former college and professional football player who played two seasons in the NFL for the Washington Redskins.
• Martha Keeney: American painter and visual effects artist who was nominated for the Visual Effects Society Award.
• Russ Keeney: American screenwriter, director, executive story editor, and production executive who was responsible for many well-known television series.
• Jeff Keeney: American sculptor, painter, and illustrator who has exhibited his work in numerous venues around the world.
• Darci Kistler: Professional ballet dancer and former principal dancer at New York City Ballet who is married to Robert Keeney.

Other surnames

KeeneKeener