Surname Keegan - Meaning and Origin

Decoding the Keegan Lineage: DNA Test Unveils Ancestral Ethnic Diversity and Legacy (

Appearing to have exclusive ties to Ireland, I took an iGENEA DNA test that shattered prior assumptions about my Keegan lineage. This report takes you through the unexpected genetic revelations that drastically changed identity perceptions, bridging the gap between past and present.

U. Keegan

Keegan: What does the surname Keegan mean?

The last name Keegan is of Irish origin and derived from Mac Aodhagáin. The name literally translates to 'son of Aodhagán', where 'Aodhagán' is a diminutive form of the Irish name 'Aodh', meaning fire and referring to the pagan god of the underworld. Hence, Keegan is often interpreted as 'son or descendant of fire'. It has also been associated with the meaning 'small and fiery'. The Keegan family were part of the larger clan of MacEgan who were eminent as hereditary lawyers in multiple Irish regions during the Middle Ages. In modern times, there are different forms of this surname used across the world. Still, the original Irish form, Mac Aodhagáin, remains the most prevalent in Ireland. Keegan, therefore, denotes a lineage noted for their passionate spirit, strong will, and sense of justice.

Keegan: Where does the name Keegan come from?

The surname Keegan comes from Ireland. It is derived from the Irish Gaelic name "Mac Aodhagáin," which means "son of Aodhagán." Aodhagán itself is a diminutive form of the Irish name "Aodh," meaning "fire," and often referring to the pagan god of the underworld. In Ireland, surnames are often associated with specific regions or clans. Keegan is associated with the province of Connacht in northwestern Ireland, more specifically with County Mayo and County Roscommon. Today, Keegan is a common surname not only in Ireland but also in various countries where Irish diaspora settled. This includes the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Despite this, its highest concentration remains in Ireland itself.

Variations of the surname Keegan

The surname Keegan is a traditional Irish surname that has been used for several centuries. It is derived from the Gaelic word "MacAodhagain", which translates to "son of Aodh", Aodh meaning fire and being the name of an ancient Celtic god. This name has been Anglicised in several ways leading to a few variants and spelling adaptations.

Common variants and spellings of the surname Keegan include Keagan, Keagon, Keegen, Kegan, Keigen, Kagan, Kigen, Keeghan, Keighan, Kiegan, and O'Keegan. It is also possible that the surnames Egan and Eagan, which are derived from the anglicized version of "Aodhagain", could be seen as related to Keegan.

The surname Keegan was first prevalent in County Mayo in Ireland but has now spread globally due to migration, especially to countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and the UK. It has retained most of its original form in these regions, with few modifications. In the present day, its spelling remains largely consistent, although pronunciation may vary depending on local accents.

Famous people with the name Keegan

• Michelle Keegan: British actress, known for her roles in popular TV series like “Coronation Street" and "Our Girl".
• Frank Keegan: American journalist, recognized for his investigative reporting works.
• Andrew Keegan: American actor recognized for his role in 1999's "10 Things I Hate About You."
• Kevin Keegan: English former football player and manager, two-times Ballon d'Or winner.
• Charles Humphrey Keegan: retired U.S. Air Force general.
• Claire Keegan: Irish author known for her award-winning short stories.
• John Keegan: British military historian, lecturer, and journalist.
• Laura Keegan: Canadian field hockey player who participated in the 1988 Summer Olympics.
• Mark Keegan: Irish entrepreneur who co-founded the online classifieds service Gumtree.
• Petrina Keegan: American professional volleyball player.
• Rose Keegan: British actress, known for her role in “Match Point”.
• Samuel Keegan: Australian visual and digital effects artist, acknowledged for his work in films like “The Hobbit” series and "Mad Max: Fury Road".
• Ursula Keegan: Irish sportswoman, playing camogie at the senior level for the Dublin team.
• Wayne Keegan: Irish Gaelic footballer who has played for Westmeath's senior team.

Other surnames

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