Declining since 1996, #12,008 for boys today.
Popularity of Keano since 1991
Babies named Keano per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 108 |
| 2000s | 128 |
| 2010s | 63 |
| 2020s | 39 |
Meaning & origin
Keano is a modern given name that first entered U.S. birth records in 1991. Its peak popularity came in 1997, but since 1996 it has been on a downward trajectory. As of the latest data from 2025, it ranks 12,008, with about 1 in every 341,615 newborns receiving the name. The name's origin is uncertain but likely draws on the sound of the better-known Keanu, a Hawaiian name made famous by actor Keanu Reeves. Keano remains an uncommon choice, reflecting a broader trend of invented or creatively respelled names in the late 20th century.
Keano appears to be a modern coinage, possibly inspired by the Hawaiian name Keanu (meaning 'the cool breeze') or the Irish name Cian (meaning 'ancient'). The spelling with 'e' may reflect a fashionable variation. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1991 and saw modest use in the 1990s, influenced by the rising popularity of actor Keanu Reeves.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kea, Keno, K
Sibling names for Keano
Names that share Keano's style, for a brother or sister.
