Keen Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Keen come from? What does the surname Keen mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Keen and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Keen Origin: What does the last name Keen mean?
The surname Keen is of English origin and has multiple possible meanings. It could have originated as a nickname for someone brave or as a Middle English or Old English personal name meaning "king." Another possibility is that it is a variation of the Irish surname O'Cahan. YourRoots data indicates that the surname Keen first appeared in records from England around the early 16th century, and it remained closely associated with the United States from the 17th to the 19th centuries. By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Keen surname grew significantly in the United States, where it remains prominent today.
Unfortunately, specific details about the global spread and history of the Keen surname are not available in the YourRoots dataset. However, the surname Keen has been associated with notable individuals across various fields, including politics, entertainment, sports, and academia. This enduring surname reflects a rich history and diverse origins, making it a significant part of genealogical research and family history exploration for individuals with this surname.
Keen Last Name History: Where did the last name Keen come from?
Origin of Keen Surname: Where does the last name Keen originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Keen first appeared in records from England around the early 16th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Keen spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Keen: What does the Keen surname history look like in the early days?
The Keen surname remained closely associated with the United States from the 17th to the 19th centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Keen surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Keen surname grew significantly in the United States. The Keen surname remains prominent in the United States.
Explore Keen last name heritage and Keen surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Keen Surame?
Dafne Keen
Dafne Keen Fernández (born 4 Jan 2005) is a Spanish and British actress known for her roles in major franchises like X-Men and Star Wars. She gained fame as Laura in the superhero film Logan (2017) and continued to impress audiences as Lyra Belacqua in His Dark Materials series (2019–2022). Keen's talent and charm also shone in Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) and The Acolyte (2024). Beyond her on-screen success, Keen has been recognized with awards and nominations for her outstanding performances. With a promising career ahead, Keen continues to captivate audiences with her charisma and acting skills.
Will Keen
William Walter Maurice Keen (born Mar 4, 1970) is an English actor known for his work in stage, television, and film. He has appeared in various British theatre productions, including Macbeth, The Duchess of Malfi, and The Two Noble Kinsmen. Keen has also starred in popular TV shows like "Wolf Hall" and "Sherlock," as well as films such as "Nine Lives of Tomas Katz." He played Michael Adeane in Netflix's "The Crown" and Father MacPhail in BBC's "His Dark Materials." Keen is married to Spanish actress Maria Fernandez Ache and has a daughter, Dafne Keen, who is also an actress.
Commander Keen
Billy Blaze "Commander Keen" (November 10, 1989 - ) is the eight-year-old genius behind the iconic side-scrolling platform video game series developed by id Software. As Commander Keen, Billy defends Earth and the galaxy from alien threats using his homemade spaceship, rayguns, and pogo stick. The series, consisting of six main episodes and a "lost" episode, gained popularity in the early '90s for its engaging gameplay and quirky characters. With references in other games and an active modding community, Commander Keen remains a beloved figure in the world of retro gaming.
Robert Earl Keen
Robert Earl Keen (born Jan 11, 1956) is an American country singer and songwriter known for his extensive discography and iconic songs like "The Road Goes on Forever." Hailing from Houston, Texas, Keen's music has been covered by legends such as George Strait and Lyle Lovett, showcasing his influence in the country music scene. With a career spanning decades, Keen has established himself as a prominent figure in the genre, captivating audiences with his storytelling and musical prowess. Despite announcing farewell tours, Keen continues to delight fans with his performances, solidifying his legacy in the world of country music.
Diane Keen
Diane Keen (July 29, 1946 -) is an English actress known for her roles in popular TV series like "The Cuckoo Waltz," "Rings on Their Fingers," and "Doctors." Keen also appeared in Nescafé advertisements in the 1980s. With a career spanning decades, she has showcased her talent on screen and stage, earning nominations for her portrayal of Julia Parsons in "Doctors." Off-screen, Keen has a daughter and granddaughter, with her granddaughter even playing her on-screen granddaughter in "Doctors." A versatile performer, Keen has also graced the stage in various productions, showcasing her acting prowess beyond the screen.
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