Keane is an English first name derived from an Irish surname, itself a variant of Kane. The surname Kane is an Anglicized form of the Irish Ó Catháin, meaning "descendant of Cathán." Cathán comes from Old Irish cath "battle" combined with a diminutive suffix, thus carrying the sense of "little battle." Historical and Cultural Context The name traces back to Saint Cathán, a 6th-century Irish monk who was a missionary to the Isle of Bute. The surname Ó Catháin was borne by a prominent Irish clan in County Derry and Tyrone, which was part of the Northern Uí Néill confederation. The Anglicized forms Kane and Keane spread to England and other English-speaking countries through Irish emigration. In modern times, the name Keane gained international recognition as the surname of singer-songwriter and pop star Keane, who released hits in the 2000s. The name is used both as a surname and a given name, though as a first name it remains relatively rare. Notable Bearers Roy Keane (born 1971), Irish former professional footballer and manager of Manchester United and the Republic of Ireland's national team. Tom Keane (born 1945), American politician and former mayor of Boston. Keane West (an illegitimate name transfer, but notable in music circles). Usage and Variants As a given name, Keane is most common in English-speaking countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Ireland. Variants of the surname include Keen, Keene, and Kane. The English pronunciation is identical to "keen" (IPA: /kiːn/). Meaning: "Little battle" (from Cathán's components) Origin: Irish English; Anglicization of Irish Ó Catháin Type: First name derived from surname Usage regions: United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland