The O’Keefe surname is of Irish origin. In Irish, the name is spelled “Ó Caoimh,” which indicates a direct descent from a man named Caoimh. The clan was known for its nobility and power and made significant contributions to the history and culture of Ireland.
Etymology and Meaning
The surname O’Keefe is derived from the Gaelic “Ó Caoimh,” where “Ó” means “descendant of,” and “Caoimh” comes from “caomh,” meaning “kind” or “gentle.” Thus, the name can be loosely interpreted as “descendant of the gentle one.”
Earliest Known Usage
The earliest known usage of the O’Keefe surname traces back to the early 11th century in Ireland, where the O’Keefe family were ruling lords in the Kingdom of Desmond.
Geographic Distribution
The O’Keefe name was initially concentrated in the southwest of Ireland, particularly in County Cork. Today, due to emigration during and after the Great Famine, the O’Keefe surname can be found around the globe, with significant numbers in the United States, Australia, and Canada.
Original Geographic Location
The original geographic location of the O’Keefe clan was in the ancient territory of Eóganacht Raithlind in what is now County Cork. Their ancestral seat was at Duhallow.
Migration Patterns
The 19th century saw significant emigration from Ireland due to the Great Famine, and many O’Keefes were among those who sought better opportunities abroad. They settled in places such as North America, Australia, and Britain, creating O’Keefe communities in these countries.
Historical Context
Notable Historical Events
The O’Keefe clan was deeply involved in the military and political affairs of Ireland. Art Óg O’Keefe, for example, led the clan in the early 1600s and played a role in the Nine Years’ War. The O’Keefes also experienced land losses during the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland.
Notable Irish Bearers of the Surname
Famous Individuals
Famous individuals with the O’Keefe surname include Georgia O’Keeffe, a renowned American artist, and Derek O’Keefe, a celebrated Irish novelist.
Influential Figures
Other influential figures bearing the O’Keefe surname include Walter C. O’Keefe, an American songwriter and radio personality, and John O’Keefe, a British-American neuroscientist who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2014.
Variations of the Surname
Spelling Variations
Numerous spelling variations of the O’Keefe surname exist due to the translation from Gaelic to English. Variations include O’Keeffe, Keeffe, Keefe, and Caoimh, among others.
Regional Differences
Regional pronunciation differences exist due to various accents and dialects across Ireland. In parts of Munster, for example, the pronunciation of the name can vary slightly.
Current Statistics and Distribution
Frequency and Global Distribution
The O’Keefe surname remains common in Ireland, particularly in Munster. Outside Ireland, the name is most common in countries with significant Irish populations, such as the United States, Australia, and Canada.
Changes Over Time
The prevalence of the O’Keefe name has increased outside of Ireland due to significant migration patterns, mainly during the 19th century. It has become one of the many Irish surnames that form part of the rich Irish diaspora worldwide.
Family Coat of Arms
The O’Keefe family coat of arms features a green shield with two red hands holding a gold sword. Above the shield, a helmet and wreath can be seen, and the family motto, “Forti et fideli nihil difficile,” meaning “Nothing is difficult for the strong and faithful,” is usually present.
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