Surname Keany - Meaning and Origin

Keany: What does the surname Keany mean?

The last name Keany is of Irish descent, originating from the Gaelic name O'Ciann. It is derived from the root word ‘cian’, meaning ‘ancient’, ‘enduring’ or ‘long-lasting'. This was often used to describe someone who was steadfast and reliable.

Keany is thought to derive from the Uí Cinnsealaigh dynasty, an ancient ruling family that held vast power and influence in the Dublin region from the 8th to the 16th century. It is believed that the family were renowned for their skill in battling external rivals. As such, the name carries with it a sense of strength and resilience.

Today, the surname Keany is found scattered throughout Ireland, with many members of the Keany family remaining in parts of Dublin to the present day. This name continues to represent those who are dependable, confident and true to their heritage. It is a reminder of the history of Ireland and the values which have been passed down from generation to generation.

Keany: Where does the name Keany come from?

The last name Keany is most commonly found in Ireland, as it is an Irish surname. It is believed to have first originated in County Kerry, Ireland, derived from the Irish surname Ó Cianáin. The Keany surname is among the most common Irish surnames, with origin in the ancient kingdom of Corca Loigde. The 'O' in the original surname 'Ó Cianáin' means 'son', signifying the Keany surname was passed down along the hereditary line.

In more recent times, the Keany name has seen a large distribution in the United States. Irish immigrants to the United States brought the Keany surname with them as they travelled across the Atlantic. Census records in the early 1800s show thousands of immigrants carrying the last name.

Today, the last name Keany is seen throughout the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States, and other countries across the world. According to records in Ireland, the most populous Keany populations are located in County Galway, Dublin, Cork, and Clare. In the United States, states with the highest population numbers include New York, Georgia, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Illinois.

Despite having a long history, the Keany name is far from extinct. With families scattered all around the world, the Keany well is far from running dry.

Variations of the surname Keany

Keany is an Irish surname of several distinct origins. The most common variants for the surname Keany include Keaney, Keeney, Keenan, Keney, Kiney, Kinny, Keenay, and Kinney. In Ireland, the name is thought to derive from the Gaelic "O Cianain," meaning "descendant of Cian." It can also be derived from Mac Eoin, a form of the Irish personal name Eoin. In some instances, the name is thought to derive from the Scots Gaelic Caonadh, and in southern England, it is believed to have come from the Anglo-Norman le Ceneis.

With regards to variants, the surnames may also be spelled Keaney, Kanay, Keeany, Keany, Keene, Keeney, Keeny, Kieny, Kinney, Kinney, Kinny, Kiny, Kney, MacKenny, Kenealy, Kenealy, Keany, Kiney, and Kinely.

The Irish Keeney and Keaney are most common in counties Fermanagh and Monahan, while the English form of Kenealy is found mainly in the more northerly counties of Leitrim, Sligo, and Donegal. The other variants are scattered throughout the country.

It is interesting to note that throughout Ireland, the use of this surname has been attributed to several clans, including the O'Briens and MacCarthys in Counties Cork and Limerick, the Kenelys in County Mayo, the O'Kanes or Kanes in Ulster, and the ancient Keanes of Munster.

The surname Keany has spread to other countries and can now be found in the United States, Canada, England, Australia, and New Zealand. It is also popular in Scotland, where it appears as Keenan, Keeney, and Keaney. In some cases, the spellings may have changed through the generations, resulting in different versions of the same surname.

Famous people with the name Keany

• Matt Keany: an American entrepreneur and investor.
• Chris Keany: a British actor.
• Jack Keany: an American actor, producer, and entrepreneur.
• Elsie Keany: an American actress and model.
• Will Keany: an American actor and radio personality.
• Brad Keany: an American actor and coach.
• Stephen Keany: an American director, producer, and writer.
• Connor Keany: a British actor and television presenter.
• Paddy Keany: an Irish actor and singer.
• Richard Keany: an American actor, director, and screenwriter.
• Sean Keany: a Canadian actor and television presenter.
• Kayla Keany: an American actress and voice actress.
• Patrick Keany: an Irish actor, writer, and producer.
• David Keany: an American abstract expressionist painter.
• Tom Keany: an American singer and songwriter.
• Colm Keany: an Irish public relations executive.
• Daisy Keany: an American actress and model.
• Erin Keany: an American model and actress.
• Daniel Keany: an American actor and filmmaker.
• Julia Keany: an American journalist and editor.

Other surnames

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