Declining since 1996, #1,305 for boys today.
Popularity of Keenan since 1942
Babies named Keenan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 70 |
| 1950s | 292 |
| 1960s | 866 |
| 1970s | 1,173 |
| 1980s | 2,519 |
| 1990s | 5,987 |
| 2000s | 3,683 |
| 2010s | 2,481 |
| 2020s | 1,105 |
Meaning & origin
Keenan first appeared in U.S. records in 1942, but its peak came in 1997 when it ranked highest. Since 1996, it has been on a downward trajectory, reflecting a shift away from once-fashionable Irish names. In 2025, it ranked 1305th, with 1 in 11,464 newborns receiving the name. Its strongest popularity has been in West Virginia, Colorado, and Virginia, suggesting a regional appeal. While not as common as in its 1990s heyday, Keenan retains a distinctive Irish heritage.
Keenan is widely considered an Anglicized form of the Irish name Cianán, a diminutive of Cian, meaning 'ancient' or 'enduring'. The name has been used in Ireland for centuries and gained popularity in the United States, particularly in the late 20th century. Its modern use reflects both Irish heritage and a broader trend toward Celtic names.
Where Keenan is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Keenan” around the world
Where Keenan lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Keen, Ken
Sibling names for Keenan
Names that share Keenan's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Keenan
Names whose popularity has moved with Keenan's over the last 50 years.
