Kegan

Meaning & origin

Kegan is a modern given name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1970. It saw its highest popularity in 1993, ranking well within the top 5,000 names at the time. Since 1992, however, its usage has been declining; as of 2025, it ranks #5608, with approximately 1 in every 106,755 male births receiving the name. The name has not been strongly associated with any U.S. state, indicating a widespread but low-level adoption across the country. Kegan is thought to be a variant of the Irish surname Keegan, which itself derives from the Gaelic Ó hAodhagáin, meaning 'descendant of Aodhagán.' While its etymology ties it to Irish heritage, the name has developed an independent identity in American naming practices, often chosen for its phonetic appeal rather than family tradition.

Kegan is a modern given name, most likely a respelling of the Irish surname Keegan. The surname Keegan originates from the Gaelic Ó hAodhagáin, meaning 'descendant of Aodhagán,' which is a diminutive of Aodh, an old Irish name meaning 'fire.' As a first name, Kegan emerged in the United States in the late 20th century, gaining modest usage in the 1990s.