Keigan is a unique and distinctive given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname "O'Keeffe," which means "descendant of Keeva." Keeva is an ancient Irish personal name that translates to "comely" or "beautiful."
The history of the name Keigan can be traced back to the early Middle Ages in Ireland. The O'Keeffe clan was a powerful and influential family, particularly in County Cork. Members of this clan held high-ranking positions in both political and ecclesiastical circles.
Over time, the surname O'Keeffe evolved into various forms, including Keeffe, Keefer, Keefe, Keegan, and ultimately, Keigan. As a given name, Keigan is believed to have originated in the late 20th century, likely as a variant of Keegan or as an independent creation inspired by the popularity of Irish names.
Today, Keigan is still predominantly found within Ireland but has also gained international recognition due to its unique sound and distinctive heritage. Despite its relatively recent use as a given name, Keigan carries the weight of history and tradition that comes with its Irish roots.
The name Keigan has seen a varied level of popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1996 and 2023, there have been a total of 155 babies born with this name. The most popular year for the name was 2008, with a total of 15 births that year. This indicates that Keigan may have had a brief moment of popularity during this time.
However, it is important to note that even in its peak year, Keigan still only accounted for a small fraction of births overall. For instance, in 2008 there were approximately 4 million babies born in the United States, making Keigan's share just over 0.003% of all newborns that year.
Despite this relatively low level of popularity, it appears that Keigan has maintained a steady presence among baby names over time. In fact, every year between 1996 and 2023 saw at least five babies named Keigan, with the exception of 1997 to 2000 for which data is not available.
Overall, while Keigan may not be one of the most popular names in America, it has demonstrated a consistent level of popularity over time. Parents who choose this name could be drawn to its uniqueness or perhaps appreciate its potential for being both gender-neutral and timeless. Regardless of the reason behind its selection, each instance of the name Keigan represents another child beginning life with their own unique identity.