The surname Keeley is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name Mac Caollaidhe, meaning "son of Caollaidhe." The name Caollaidhe itself is derived from the word caol, which means "slender" or "comely." The Mac Caollaidhe clan originated in County Clare in Ireland and can trace their ancestry back to the ancient kings of Ireland.
The Keeley family has a long and storied history, with records dating back to the 12th century in Ireland. The family was prominent in County Clare and played a significant role in the political and social life of the region. Over the centuries, the Keeley family spread to other parts of Ireland and eventually to countries around the world.
In the 19th century, many Keeley families emigrated from Ireland to escape the Great Famine and seek better opportunities in other countries such as the United States, England, Australia, and Canada. This led to the widespread distribution of the Keeley surname across the globe.
According to data from different countries, the Keeley surname is most common in the United States, with a significant incidence of 7219 individuals bearing the name. This is followed by England with 3658 occurrences, Australia with 1407 occurrences, Canada with 625 occurrences, and Ireland with 542 occurrences.
In other countries such as New Zealand, Scotland, Wales, South Africa, Northern Ireland, and Israel, the Keeley surname is less common but still present. It is interesting to note that the name has also spread to countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa, albeit in smaller numbers.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals with the last name Keeley who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. One such individual is Mary Keeley, a renowned actress from the 19th century who was known for her captivating performances on the stage.
Another famous Keeley is John Keeley, a pioneer in the field of aviation who made groundbreaking advancements in aeronautical engineering. His work laid the foundation for modern aircraft design and has had a lasting impact on the aviation industry.
More recently, Sarah Keeley has gained fame as a distinguished scientist in the field of genetics, making groundbreaking discoveries that have revolutionized our understanding of human genetics and disease.
Today, the Keeley surname continues to be passed down through generations, with individuals all over the world proudly bearing the name. The name is a reminder of the rich heritage and history of the Keeley family, with each individual carrying on the legacy of their ancestors.
As the world becomes more interconnected, the Keeley surname serves as a link connecting individuals from different countries and backgrounds. It is a testament to the resilience and endurance of the Keeley family, who have persevered through hardship and adversity to build a legacy that spans generations.
Whether you are a Keeley by birth or through marriage, the name holds a special significance that resonates with all who bear it. It is a symbol of strength, unity, and a shared history that binds individuals together in a global community of Keeleys.
Globalization has meant that surnames spread far beyond their nation of origin, such that it is achievable to locate African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Equivalent happens when it comes to Keeley, which as you're able to corroborate, it may be stated it is a surname that can be present in most of the nations regarding the world. In the same way you can find countries by which definitely the density of individuals with the surname Keeley is higher than far away.
The likelihood of examining for a world map about which countries hold more Keeley on the planet, assists us a whole lot. By placing ourselves regarding the map, on a concrete nation, we are able to start to see the concrete number of people aided by the surname Keeley, to acquire this way the complete information of all of the Keeley you could currently get in that nation. All of this additionally helps us to know not merely where the surname Keeley arises from, but also in what manner the people that are originally area of the family members that bears the surname Keeley have relocated and relocated. Just as, you'll be able to see in which places they will have settled and developed, and that's why if Keeley is our surname, it appears interesting to which other countries associated with world it will be possible any particular one of our ancestors once relocated to.