What does Keegan mean and where does it come from?
Keegan is derived from the Irish surname 'Mac Caodháin' which means 'son of Caodhán', where 'Caodhán' can derive from the word for 'slender'. Initially a male name, it has seen female adoption in modern usage, particularly in the United States. The name reflects Irish heritage and is popular among t
Cultural significance
Keegan has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of descendant of caodhán.
Peak popularity
Reached #1344 in 2007 — currently #627 in the US.
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Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Keegan?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Keegan?
Keegan works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Keegan Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Keegan Rose
Floral · soft ending
Keegan Mae
Sweet · timeless
Keegan Claire
French influence · crisp
Keegan Jane
Literary · strong
Keegan Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Keegan right now?
Falling — down 61 spots — currently #627 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #627 | 442 | ▼ down 61 · -15% births |
| 2022 | #566 | 523 | ▼ down 72 · -12% births |
| 2021 | #494 | 596 | ▲ up 1967 · +751% births |
| 2020 | #2461 | 70 | ▼ down 805 · -46% births |
| 2015 | #1656 | 129 | ▼ down 32 · -3% births |
| 2010 | #1624 | 133 | ▲ up 170 · +22% births |
| 2005 | #1794 | 109 | ▼ down 289 · -11% births |
| 2000 | #1505 | 122 | ▲ up 606 · +91% births |
| 1995 | #2111 | 64 | ▲ up 759 · +60% births |
| 1990 | #2870 | 40 | ▼ down 223 · +8% births |
| 1985 | #2647 | 37 | ▲ up 2258 · +147% births |
| 1980 | #4905 | 15 | — |
The story of Keegan
Keegan is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1976. A total of 39,482 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4905 in 1980 to #627 in 2023. Keegan is used for both genders: 9% female and 91% male.
Names that peaked alongside Keegan in 2007:
Keegan by decade
Keegan peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 14 | |
| 1970s | 372 | |
| 1980s | 2,048 | |
| 1990s | 7,211 | |
| 2000s ★ | 15,332 | |
| 2010s | 13,846 | |
| 2020s | 659 | |
What are good nicknames for Keegan?
Common
KeeKeegKeegieKeegyEgan
What names sound and feel like Keegan?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Keegan also consider these
How is Keegan written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Keegan
What does the name Keegan mean?
Keegan means "descendant of Caodhán" — a name rooted in Ireland tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Keegan?
Keegan is currently ranked #627 as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Keegan?
Keegan originates from Ireland tradition. Ireland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Keegan?
Keegan is a two-syllable name pronounced K IY1 G AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Keegan more of a girl or boy name?
Keegan is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.