Keegan
BoyIrish· “son of Aodhagán”
- Meaning
- son of Aodhagán
- Origin
- Irish
- Pronunciation
- KEE-gun
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #621
- US babies 2025
- 449
- Best rank
- #222 (2007)
- Peak year
- 2007
Meaning and origin of Keegan
Keegan is an Irish name that means “son of Aodhagán”.
Keegan comes from the Irish surname Mac Aodhagáin, meaning "son of Aodhagán." Aodhagán is a diminutive of Aodh, an old Irish name meaning "fire," so the name ultimately carries a fiery meaning. The MacEgan family was known in medieval Ireland as a hereditary family of lawyers. As a first name Keegan became popular in the United States in the late twentieth century, along with other Irish surnames such as Keenan and Kieran. It is energetic and friendly, with a crisp sound that feels modern while keeping an old Irish root.
Other spellings with the same sound: Keagan.
Popularity over time
Keegan first appears in US Social Security records in 1965. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 47 different years, starting in 1979. Its best national rank was #222 in 2007, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,707 babies. In 2025, 449 babies were named Keegan, and it ranked #621 nationally. That is 67% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #845 in 1980, #285 in 2000, #246 in 2010, and #621 in 2025. Of the 38,519 US boys named Keegan since records began, 36% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 12,718 babies. Since 2010, 15,808 more have been named Keegan.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Rafael, Israel, Landen, Aden, and Caiden.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Keegan ranked highest in West Virginia, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | #241 | 8 |
| Massachusetts | #260 | 23 |
| Connecticut | #349 | 9 |
| Iowa | #358 | 10 |
| Illinois | #372 | 29 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 91% of US babies named Keegan over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Keegan is usually pronounced KEE-gun, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with K and ends in “-an”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Keagan.
Middle names for Keegan
A few middle names that flow with Keegan: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Keegan
Similar names
Lists that include Keegan
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Keegan mean?
Keegan is an Irish name that means “son of Aodhagán”.
What is the origin of the name Keegan?
Keegan has Irish roots. Keegan comes from the Irish surname Mac Aodhagáin, meaning "son of Aodhagán." Aodhagán is a diminutive of Aodh, an old Irish name meaning "fire," so the name ultimately carries a fiery meaning.
Is Keegan a popular name?
Yes. Keegan ranked #621 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Keegan a boy or girl name?
Keegan is mainly a boy's name. About 91% of US babies named Keegan over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Keegan?
Keegan is usually pronounced KEE-gun. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings