Keene

Irish

"ancient"

Keene Origin and Meaning

The name Keene is a boy's name.

Keene is a masculine name of English origin functioning primarily as a surname before its adoption as a given name. It derives from the Middle English 'kene,' meaning 'bold,' 'sharp,' or 'eager.' As a first name, Keene embodies qualities of intelligence, perception, and mental sharpness. It gained limited use as a given name in the early 20th century, often honoring family surnames. The name has maintained a steady but uncommon presence, never breaking into popular rankings but appealing to parents drawn to short, strong-sounding names with positive connotations. Keene's single-syllable structure and long 'e' sound give it a crisp, clean quality reminiscent of other brief masculine names like Dean or Shane, while its uncommon status offers distinctiveness without seeming invented or unfamiliar.

Famous People Named Keene

• Keene Holbrook Curtis American actor
• Keene Fitzpatrick American track coach at Yale