Declining since 2014, #2,451 for boys today.
Popularity of Keelan since 1967
Babies named Keelan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1960s | 0 | 12 |
| 1970s | 5 | 114 |
| 1980s | 29 | 258 |
| 1990s | 53 | 620 |
| 2000s | 132 | 981 |
| 2010s | 115 | 1,174 |
| 2020s | 17 | 432 |
Meaning & origin
Keelan first appeared on U.S. charts in 1967 and peaked in popularity in 2015. Since 2014, its usage has been declining, but it remains a recognizable Irish choice. In 2025, it ranked 2,451 nationally, with a rate of 1 in 31,056 boys. The name saw its highest usage in Texas, reflecting a broader trend of Irish names in the American South. Keelan's roots in the traditional Irish name Caoilfhionn give it a distinctive meaning of 'slender and fair', though the Anglicized spelling has become the standard. While not as common as its variant Caelan, Keelan offers a streamlined option with a similar sound and heritage.
Keelan is an Anglicized form of the Irish name Caoilfhionn, composed of caol 'slender' and fionn 'fair'. It has been used in Ireland for centuries and gained some popularity in the United States starting in the late 20th century. The spelling Keelan is the most common American variant.
Where Keelan is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Keelan” around the world
Where Keelan lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
22
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kee, Keke
Sibling names for Keelan
Names that share Keelan's style, for a brother or sister.
