Declining since 2019.
Popularity of Keen since 1998
Babies named Keen per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 6 |
| 2000s | 46 |
| 2010s | 100 |
| 2020s | 34 |
Meaning & origin
Keen is a modern English name that first entered U.S. birth records in 1998, a time when surname-inspired first names were gaining popularity. Though it has never ranked among the top 1000 names, it saw its highest usage in 2011. Since 2019, its popularity has been on a downward trajectory. The name's appeal likely stems from the positive connotations of the English word 'keen', meaning enthusiastic or sharp. As a rare name with no documented top-state concentrations, Keen remains a relatively uncommon choice for American parents.
Keen emerged as a given name in the late 20th century, likely from the English surname Keen (derived from Middle English kene meaning 'bold' or 'sharp'). Its use as a first name may also reflect the positive connotations of the modern English word 'keen'. It has seen modest adoption in the United States since the late 1990s.
Sibling names for Keen
Names that share Keen's style, for a brother or sister.
