Find out how popular the first name Kegan has been for the last 49 years (from 1975 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kegan by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Kegan is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 94% of people named Kegan being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 15 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Kegan.

The history of the first name Kegan

The name Kegan originates from the Irish Gaelic language and is derived from the word "caogán," which means "little blind one" or "little squinty one." This suggests that the name was originally a descriptive nickname given to someone with a squint or eye impairment. The name has its roots in Ireland and can be traced back to the medieval period, around the 12th to 15th centuries.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kegan can be found in the Irish Annals, a collection of historical records written by medieval Irish monks. In these annals, the name appears as "Caogán" and is mentioned in reference to various individuals from that era.

The name Kegan has been associated with several notable figures throughout history. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Kegan O'Reilly, an Irish chieftain who lived in the 16th century and played a role in the Irish Confederate Wars against English rule.

Another significant figure was Kegan Paul (1828-1899), an English publisher and author who co-founded the publishing firm Kegan Paul, Trench, Trübner & Co. This company played a crucial role in disseminating literary works during the Victorian era.

In the 20th century, Kegan Vaughan (1904-1956) was a British writer and journalist who authored several books on topics ranging from politics to travel. He is particularly known for his work "The Camouflage Story," which chronicled the development of camouflage techniques during World War II.

More recently, Kegan Schouwiler (born 1966) is an American businesswoman and co-founder of the company SOLS Systems, which specializes in 3D-printed orthotic insoles. She has been recognized for her entrepreneurial endeavors and contributions to the field of personalized healthcare technology.

Another notable figure is Kegan Marsden (born 1982), a South African cricketer who has played for various domestic teams in South Africa and has also represented the national team in several international tournaments.

While the name Kegan is not as common as some other Irish names, it has maintained a presence throughout history, carried by individuals from diverse backgrounds and professions. Its unique origin and meaning have given it a distinctive character that continues to resonate with those who bear this name.

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 Kegan was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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