The Keating surname is a common Irish and English family name with multiple variations. The Irish spelling of the name is Céitinn, and some common variations include Caton, Kaitting, Kating, Keatinge, Keaton, Keatings, and O’Keating + others. The Keating surname has been traced back to early Anglo-Norman families who settled in south Leinster in Ireland.
The Keating family history is rich and varied, with many notable people having borne the name. The family crest features a shield with a red chevron between three red lions’ heads, and the motto “Fortitudine Vincit” which translates to “He Conquers by Fortitude”. The Keating family has a long and proud history in Ireland, and many members of the family have made significant contributions to Irish society and culture over the years.
The origins of the Keating surname can be traced back to medieval times, and the name has been passed down through generations of families in Ireland and around the world. Today, the Keating surname is still relatively common in Ireland, and many people with the name can trace their ancestry back to the early Anglo-Norman settlers who first brought the name to the country.
Origins of the Keating Surname
The Keating surname has a rich and diverse history, with various origins and meanings. The following paragraphs provide an overview of the origins of the Keating surname.
The Keating surname is of Anglo-Irish origin, derived from the Old English personal name Cyting. The Gaelic form of the surname Keating is Céitinn, which is a patronymic name meaning “descendant of Céitinn”. The indigenous Keaty family of Ireland, whose Gaelic name is O Céatfhadha, occasionally assumed the surname Keating.
The Keating surname has several variations, including Caton, Kaitting, Kating, Keatinge, Keaton, Keith, Keting, Keatting, McKeating, Keatings, and O’Keating. The McKeating variation is a Gaelicized derivative of the English surname Keating, while the O’Keating variation is a patronymic name meaning “descendant of Céatfhadha”.
The Keating surname has also been associated with nicknames and suffixes, such as Keatinge and Keaton, which are derived from the Old English suffix “-ing”, meaning “son of”. The Spanish variation of the Keating surname is Cienfuegos.
The Keating surname has a long and complex history, with various spellings and meanings. It has been associated with both Gaelic and English cultures, and has undergone several changes over time. Despite its diverse origins, the Keating surname remains a popular and well-known name today.
Notable Keating Individuals
The Keating surname has produced several notable individuals throughout history, spanning various fields and professions. Here are some of the most prominent Keating individuals:
Geoffrey Keating
Geoffrey Keating, also known as Seathrún Céitinn, was an Irish Roman Catholic priest, poet, and historian who lived in the first half of the seventeenth century. He is best known for writing “Foras Feasa ar Éirinn,” a narrative history of Ireland that defended it against the accounts given by foreign writers.
Frank Keating
Frank Keating is an American attorney and politician who served as the 25th Governor of Oklahoma from 1995 to 2003. During his tenure, he implemented several reforms in the state’s criminal justice system and oversaw significant economic growth.
Ronan Keating
Ronan Keating is an Irish singer-songwriter who rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the boy band Boyzone. He has released several successful solo albums and has also acted in various films and television shows.
James Keating
James Keating was a British Army officer who served during the Napoleonic Wars. He was known for his bravery and leadership skills and was awarded several medals for his service.
John Keating
John Keating is an American conductor and music educator who has worked with several renowned orchestras around the world. He is also known for his work as a music director and conductor in the Broadway theatre.
John Keating (Mr Keating)
John Keating, famously portrayed by Robin Williams in the movie Dead Poets Society, was an English teacher who left a lasting impression on his students.
Michael Keating
Michael Keating is a British actor who has appeared in several television shows and films. He is best known for his role as Vila Restal in the science fiction series “Blake’s 7.”
William Charles Keating
William Charles Keating was an American geologist and explorer who conducted several expeditions in the western United States during the 19th century. He is also known for his contributions to the field of mineralogy.
Derek Keating
Derek Keating is an Irish politician who served as a member of the Irish parliament from 2011 to 2016. He has also been involved in various community and charitable organizations.
Judith Keating
Judith Keating is a British artist known for her paintings and sculptures. Her work has been exhibited in several galleries and museums around the world.
Justin Keating
Justin Keating was an Irish politician and academic who served as a member of the Irish parliament and as a government minister. He was also a professor of political science at Trinity College Dublin.
Seán Keating
Seán Keating was an Irish painter known for his depictions of Irish life and culture. His work has been exhibited in several galleries and museums around the world.
Thomas Keating
Thomas Keating was an American Catholic monk and priest who was known for his work in the field of contemplative prayer. He was a founding member of the Centering Prayer movement and authored several books on the subject.
These are just some of the notable individuals with the Keating surname. Their contributions to their respective fields have helped to shape history and continue to inspire generations.
Keating in Ireland
The Keating surname has a long and fascinating history in Ireland. The family is one of the oldest hibernicized settler families in the country, and their name has been Gaelicized as Céitinn. The Keating family settled in south Leinster, particularly in County Wexford, which was founded by Vikings as Waesfjord.
The Keating family played a significant role in the history of County Wexford, which is located in Southeastern Ireland, in the province of Leinster. They were one of the earliest Anglo-Norman families to settle in the area, and their name was Gaelicized as Céitinn. The family was known for their involvement in the local community, particularly in the areas of politics and business.
The Keating family was also prominent in Dublin, the capital city of Ireland. They were involved in the city’s trade and commerce, and their influence extended to other parts of the country. The family’s reputation for hard work and dedication to their community earned them respect and admiration from their peers.
Today, the Keating surname is still prevalent in Ireland, particularly in County Wexford. The family has a rich history and is an important part of the country’s cultural heritage. The Keating family’s legacy lives on through their descendants, who continue to contribute to the country’s social, economic, and political development.
Migration and Distribution
The Keating surname has a long history of migration and distribution across various regions of the world. The following paragraphs provide an overview of the Keating surname’s migration and distribution patterns across different countries and regions.
United States
Many Keating families migrated to the United States during the 19th and 20th centuries, seeking better economic opportunities and a new life. The 1920 US Census recorded approximately 5,500 Keating individuals living in the US. Today, Keating is a relatively common surname in the US, with significant populations in states like New York and Massachusetts.
United Kingdom
Keating is a surname of Irish origin, but it is also present in significant numbers in England, Scotland, and Wales. The 1881 UK Census recorded approximately 1,500 Keating individuals living in England, 400 in Scotland, and 300 in Wales. Today, the Keating surname is still present in significant numbers across the UK.
Australia and New Zealand
The Keating surname is also present in Australia and New Zealand, primarily due to migration from the UK and Ireland during the 19th and 20th centuries. The 2016 Australian Census recorded approximately 1,800 Keating individuals living in Australia, while the 2018 New Zealand Census recorded approximately 300 Keating individuals living in New Zealand.
Medieval and French Origins
The Keating surname has medieval origins, with the earliest recorded instance of the name dating back to the 12th century in Ireland. The surname is of Gaelic origin, with the original Irish spelling being Céitinn. The surname later spread to France, where it was spelled as Kéating.
Population Distribution
The Keating surname is relatively uncommon, with a global population of approximately 20,000 individuals. The surname’s distribution is primarily concentrated in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, with smaller populations in Canada, France, India, Israel, and other countries.
Immigration and North America
The Keating surname’s migration to North America was primarily driven by economic opportunities and a desire for a better life. Many Keating families settled in cities like New York and Boston, where they found work in industries like manufacturing and transportation.
Overall, the Keating surname has a long and interesting history of migration and distribution across different countries and regions. Despite its relatively small population, the Keating surname has a significant presence in many parts of the world, reflecting the diverse and global nature of human migration and settlement.
Keating Family History
The Keating family is an ancient Anglo-Norman family that has been present in Ireland for centuries. The name Keating is derived from the Gaelic word “Céitinn”, which means “descendant of Cét”. Cét was a Gaelic personal name that was popular in early medieval Ireland.
The Keating family was one of the earliest Anglo-Norman families to settle in Ireland. They arrived in the country during the 12th century and settled in the province of Leinster. The family quickly became hibernicized and adopted the Gaelic language and customs of their new home.
The Keating family has a rich history that is intertwined with the history of Ireland itself. Members of the family have played important roles in Irish politics, the arts, and other areas of Irish life. Some notable members of the Keating family include:
- Henry Sheehy Keating, an officer in the British Army during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars
- Henry Singer Keating, a British lawyer and barrister
- Isabel Keating, an American actress and singer
- Jonathan Keating, a British mathematician
The Keating family has a well-documented family tree, and there are many resources available for those interested in tracing their Keating genealogy. The family is also listed in many dictionaries of family names, including the Dictionary of American Family Names.
Overall, the Keating family has a rich and fascinating history that is deeply intertwined with the history of Ireland. Their contributions to Irish life and culture have been significant, and their legacy continues to be felt to this day.
Surname Meaning and Symbolism
The Keating surname has an interesting meaning and symbolism. The surname is derived from the Old English personal name Cyting, which was a compound of cyta meaning “kite” and “ing” meaning “sons or dependants of.” The Keating surname means “sons or dependants of Cyting” and was originally given as a nickname to a fierce and rapacious person.
The Gaelic form of the surname Keating is Céitinn, which is derived from the given name Cétán meaning “little fierce one.” The indigenous Keaty family of Ireland, whose Gaelic name is O Céatfhadha, occasionally assumed the surname Keating.
The Keating coat of arms features a red shield with three gold lions passant guardant. The crest is a gold eagle displayed, and the motto is “fortis qui prudens” which means “brave who is wise.”
The Keating surname has several variations including Caton, Kaitting, Kating, Keatinge, Keaton, Keith, Keting, Keatting, McKeating, Keatings, and O’Keating. A Spanish variation, Cienfuegos, also exists.
In terms of name meaning, Dr. Joyce suggests that the name may be for the French Catin, from Old Norse kát-r, Latin cat-us meaning “sagacious” or “cunning,” or Old Norse French cat meaning “cat.”
Overall, the Keating surname has a rich history and meaning that is rooted in Old English and Gaelic cultures.
Keating in Popular Culture
The Keating surname has made its way into popular culture through various mediums. One notable example is the character of Jack Keating in the 1995 film “The Usual Suspects”. The character, played by actor Gabriel Byrne, is an ex-cop who helps the main character, Verbal Kint, in his investigation.
Another example is the British politician Edward Keating, who served as a Member of Parliament for the Labour Party from 1945 to 1950. Keating was also a member of the Fabian Society, a socialist organization in Britain.
In the field of genealogy, the Keating surname has been researched and documented extensively. Noted genealogist Edward MacLysaght wrote about the Keating surname in his book “The Surnames of Ireland”. According to MacLysaght, the Keating surname is of Anglo-Irish origin and has its roots in the medieval period in England.
MyHeritage, a popular genealogy website, lists the Keating surname as one of the top 100 most common surnames in Ireland. The website also provides information on the origins and distribution of the Keating surname in different parts of the world.
In conclusion, the Keating surname has had a notable presence in popular culture, politics, and genealogy. Its origins can be traced back to medieval England, and it continues to be a common surname in Ireland and other parts of the world.