The Kean or Keene Family

John Rooney

A Genealogical History of Irish Families

1895

Kean or Keene family crest

(Crest No. 220. Plate 60.)

THE Kean family is descended from Milesius, King of Spain, through the line of his son Heremon. The founder of the family was Eogan, ancestor of the Northern Hy Nials and son of Nial of the Nine Hostages, King of Ireland, A. D. 379. The ancient name was Cathain and signifies “Valorous.”

The possessions of the clan were located in the present County of Tipperary. The Keanes, or O’Canes, were Chiefs of Hy Fodhladha, a district supposed to be on the borders of Tipperary and Waterford.

Many of this name have acquired distinction in various walks of life. Among them may be mentioned Lord John Keane, born in 1781, who served with distinction in the British service in the Peninsular War, in Egypt, in the American War of 1812, and in India. The Most Rev. J. J. Keane, D. D., Rector of the Catholic University of America, Washington, D. C., is also a member of this family and Dr. Joseph A. Kene,, of Brooklyn, N. Y.

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