The sept's historic heartland, highlighted. People moved — a name can be found far from home.
Quick answersIs Keane an Irish name?
Keane is a Gaelic name: it was formed in Irish, from an Irish ancestor, before English was spoken here. In Irish the name is Ó Catháin.
What does the surname Keane mean?
Keane (Irish: Ó Catháin) means “descendant of Cathán, 'little battler'”. Origin: Gaelic sept.
Where in Ireland is the surname Keane from?
The historic homeland of the Keane name is Derry / Londonderry, Galway, Clare. People moved, so the name can be found far beyond it.
What is the Irish for Keane?
Ó Catháin. Related spellings: Kane, O'Cahan.
Looking for the Keane family crest? Read this first — arms belong to people, not surnames, and the honest version is more interesting.
Tracing Keane ancestors? The step-by-step guide.