"son of Egan, little fire"
Origin: Irish Gaelic (Mac Aodhagáin)
Language: English
Keegan
Pronunciation: [ k-EEG-uhn ]
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Descended from the ancient Irish god of fire
Irish
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British
Strong
Earthy
Modern
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Meaning & Origin
"descendant of the sun god"
Origin: Irish mythology (Aodh)
Language: English
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The Story of Keegan
Keegan is an anglicization of the Irish surname Mac Aodhagáin, meaning 'son of Aodhagán,' a diminutive of 'Aodh' — the ancient Irish god of fire and the sun. Aodh was one of the most important deities in Irish mythology, and the name gave rise to the modern Hugh through Norman French translation. Keegan therefore means 'little son of fire,' a name that carries ancient Celtic spiritual power.
Keegan transitioned from Irish surname to given name in the 20th century, first in Ireland and then across the Irish diaspora. In the United States and UK, it became a fashionable given name in the 1990s-2000s, appealing to parents who wanted an Irish-sounding name with less baggage than traditional choices like Patrick or Seamus.
The root name Aodh (fire/sun) was one of the most revered in ancient Irish culture, borne by numerous High Kings of Ireland. Names derived from Aodh — Hugh, Kevin, Eugene, and Keegan — carry this ancient solar resonance. Keegan is perhaps the most phonetically accessible modern descendant of this proud lineage.
Historical Record
Keegan first appeared in US Social Security records in 1965.
Over 38,063 babies have been named Keegan in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Keegan is past its peak , currently ranked #595 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The root name Aodh (fire) appears in Kevin (from Caoimhín), Hugh, Eugene, and Keegan
- Kevin Keegan, the footballer, was born Kevin Joseph Keegan and managed England's national team
- Keegan-Michael Key of comedy duo Key & Peele has helped raise the name's profile in the US
Keegan in Other Languages
Irish
Mac Aodhagáin
Welsh
Keegan
English
Keegan
Scottish Gaelic
Mac Aodhagáin
Popularity Over Time
#595
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 2007
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Keegan
K
Keegan-Michael Key
Entertainer
1971
American comedian, actor, and writer known for the sketch comedy series Key & Peele and his work in films like Keanu
K
Kevin Keegan
Athlete
1951
English football legend who won two Ballon d'Or awards and managed England's national team
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #595
- Total SSA Count
- 482
- Cultural Origins
- Irish American British
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Kee
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, Irish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Irish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Keegan
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Keegan is also used as a girl name, ranked #2940.
View Keegan as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Keegan
What does the name Keegan mean?
"son of Egan, little fire" (from Irish Gaelic (Mac Aodhagáin)). "descendant of the sun god" (from Irish mythology (Aodh)). Keegan is an anglicization of the Irish surname Mac Aodhagáin, meaning 'son of Aodhagán,' a diminutive of 'Aodh' — the ancient Irish god of fire and the sun. Aodh was one of the most important deities in Irish mythology, and the name gave rise to the modern Hugh through Norman French translation. Keegan therefore means 'little son of fire,' a name that carries ancient Celtic spiritual power.
What is the origin of the name Keegan?
Keegan has Irish Gaelic (Mac Aodhagáin), Irish mythology (Aodh), Irish, American, and British origins. In Irish Gaelic (Mac Aodhagáin), it means "son of Egan, little fire". In Irish mythology (Aodh), it means "descendant of the sun god".
Is Keegan a boy or girl name?
Keegan is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #595. As a girl name, it is ranked #2940. Keegan is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Keegan?
Keegan is pronounced k-EEG-uhn.
How popular is the name Keegan?
Keegan is currently ranked #595 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Keegan?
Common nicknames for Keegan include Kee.
What are good middle names for Keegan?
Popular middle name pairings include Keegan James, Keegan Patrick, Keegan Michael, Keegan Thomas, Keegan Liam, and Keegan Ryan.
What are good sibling names for Keegan?
Names that pair well with Keegan as siblings include Declan, Connor, Liam, Maeve, Siobhan, and Erin.
How many syllables does Keegan have?
Keegan has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Keegan a common or rare name?
Keegan is moderately common, ranked #595 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Keegan
Keegan is a boy name with Irish, American, and British origins . The name means "son of Egan, little fire" in Irish Gaelic (Mac Aodhagáin) .
Is Keegan a boy or girl name? Keegan is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #595 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #2,940. Keegan is more commonly used as a boy name.
Keegan is currently ranked #595 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Keegan has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-EEG-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Keegan include Kee. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis