Keene first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Keene has been for the last 45 years (from 1978 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Keene

A unisex name of uncertain meaning, possibly a variant of Keen.

Popularity of Keene by gender

Based on the last 45 years of data, Keene is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Keene.

Year Male Count Female Count
2022 6 0
2021 6 0
2020 8 0
2019 8 0
2018 8 0
2017 10 0
2016 6 0
2015 14 0
2014 18 0
2013 13 0
2012 7 0
2011 15 0
2010 7 0
2009 14 0
2008 6 0
2007 9 0
2006 10 0
2005 6 0
2004 8 0
2003 9 0
2002 6 0
2001 7 0
2000 6 0
1999 10 0
1998 5 0
1997 5 0
1996 6 0
1995 10 0
1994 7 0
1993 10 0
1992 5 0
1991 16 0
1990 9 0
1988 7 0
1987 6 0
1984 5 0
1983 8 0
1982 6 0
1981 7 0
1980 7 0
1978 6 0

The history of the first name Keene

The given name Keene originated from the Old English word "cene," which means "bold" or "brave." This name has its roots in the Anglo-Saxon culture and can be traced back to the 5th century AD. The earliest recorded use of the name Keene was found in ancient texts and historical records dating back to the 9th century.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Keene was Keene the Dane, a Viking warrior who lived in the late 9th century. He was known for his bravery and courage in battle, which aligned with the meaning of his name.

In the 11th century, a nobleman named Keene of Wessex was mentioned in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, a historical record of the time. He was a respected figure and played a significant role in the political affairs of the Kingdom of Wessex.

During the 12th century, a famous English philosopher and scholar named Keene of Canterbury made significant contributions to the field of logic and metaphysics. His works were widely studied and influenced many scholars of his time.

In the 14th century, a renowned English archer named Keene Longbow gained fame for his exceptional skills with the longbow during the Hundred Years' War. His prowess on the battlefield earned him a place in the chronicles of the time.

Another notable individual with the name Keene was Sir Keene Devereux, an English courtier and soldier who lived during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I in the 16th century. He was known for his loyalty and bravery in service to the crown.

Throughout history, the name Keene has been associated with courage, strength, and valor, reflecting its origins and meaning. While its usage may have varied over time, it has remained a powerful and inspiring name with deep roots in the Anglo-Saxon culture.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Keene was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Keene, please contact us.

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"Keene first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on June 1, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/keene-meaning-and-history/.

"Keene first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/keene-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 1 June, 2025

Keene first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/keene-meaning-and-history/.

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