"little fire, descendant of the fiery one"
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Language: English
Keegan
Pronunciation: [ k-EEG-uhn ]
Does Keegan flow with your last name?
Little fire — an Irish name burning bright for girls
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Meaning & Origin
"son of Egan (descendant of fire)"
Origin: Irish
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 Celtic god of fire. So Keegan's etymological journey leads back to 'little fire' or 'small flame.' Originally a surname, it followed the trend of Irish surnames becoming American given names for both boys and girls.
Keegan was primarily used as a male name in the US through the 1990s and early 2000s, then began gaining traction as a gender-neutral and girl's name, following the pattern of Irish surname names like Reagan, Quinn, and Teagan that became popular for girls.
Irish surname names have been particularly popular as girls' names in America, carrying a sense of Celtic heritage and strength. Keegan fits the 'tough-girl Irish name' category alongside Quinn, Teagan, and Reagan, appealing to parents who want a strong, distinctive name with Irish roots.
Historical Record
Keegan first appeared in US Social Security records in 1976.
Over 3,757 babies have been named Keegan in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Keegan is past its peak , currently ranked #2,940 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The name traces back to Aodh, the Celtic sun and fire deity
- Keegan-Michael Key is an American comedian known for Key & Peele
- Irish surname names for girls (Quinn, Reagan, Teagan, Keegan) surged in US popularity in the 2000s-2010s
Keegan in Other Languages
Irish
Mac Aodhagáin
French
Keegan
Spanish
Keegan
Popularity Over Time
#2,940
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 producer known for Key & Peele and numerous film roles
K
Keegan Connor Tracy
Actor
1971
Canadian actress known for Once Upon a Time and 2 Broke Girls
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Compare Keegan with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,940
- Total SSA Count
- 56
- Cultural Origins
- Irish American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Kee
Keeg
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, American 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
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, English 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
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Keegan is also used as a boy name, ranked #595.
View Keegan as a boy name →Similar Names
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"son of John (patronymic)"
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"illumination, radiance"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Keegan
What does the name Keegan mean?
"little fire, descendant of the fiery one" (from Irish Gaelic). "son of Egan (descendant of fire)" (from Irish). Keegan is an anglicization of the Irish surname Mac Aodhagáin, meaning 'son of Aodhagán,' a diminutive of Aodh, the Celtic god of fire. So Keegan's etymological journey leads back to 'little fire' or 'small flame.' Originally a surname, it followed the trend of Irish surnames becoming American given names for both boys and girls.
What is the origin of the name Keegan?
Keegan has Irish Gaelic, Irish, American, and English origins. In Irish Gaelic, it means "little fire, descendant of the fiery one". In Irish, it means "son of Egan (descendant of fire)".
Is Keegan a boy or girl name?
Keegan is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #2940. As a boy name, it is ranked #595. 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 #2940 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Keegan?
Common nicknames for Keegan include Kee and Keeg.
What are good middle names for Keegan?
Popular middle name pairings include Keegan Rose, Keegan Mae, Keegan Grace, Keegan Jane, Keegan Claire, Keegan Ann, and Keegan Nicole.
What are good sibling names for Keegan?
Names that pair well with Keegan as siblings include Declan, Teagan, Finn, Maeve, Rowan, Sloane, and Quinn.
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 an uncommon name, ranked #2940 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Keegan
Keegan is a girl name with Irish, American, and English origins . The name means "little fire, descendant of the fiery one" in Irish Gaelic .
Is Keegan a boy or girl name? Keegan is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #2,940 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #595. Keegan is more commonly used as a boy name.
Keegan is currently ranked #2,940 in popularity for girl 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 and Keeg. 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