Keegan

Pronunciation: [ k-EEG-uhn ]

Boy Name #595 Most Popular Steady 2 Syllables

Descended from the ancient Irish god of fire

Irish American British

Strong Earthy Modern Bold

Meaning & Origin

"son of Egan, little fire"

Origin: Irish Gaelic (Mac Aodhagáin)

Language: English

"descendant of the sun god"

Origin: Irish mythology (Aodh)

Language: English

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.

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

Famous People Named Keegan

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

Kevin Keegan

Athlete

1951

English football legend who won two Ballon d'Or awards and managed England's national team

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

Pairs Well With

Keegan James Keegan Patrick Keegan Michael Keegan Thomas Keegan Liam Keegan Ryan

Sibling Names

Declan Connor Liam Maeve Siobhan Erin

Also a Girl Name

Keegan is also used as a girl name, ranked #2940.

View Keegan as a girl name →

Similar Names

Reason Reagan Hagan Locke Megan Regan Meghan Lachlan

Playground Safety

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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.