Surname O'Kane - Meaning and Origin
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O'Kane: What does the surname O'Kane mean?
The last name O'Kane is an Irish surname originating in the ancient Gaelic kingdom of Ulster. The form of the name was first recorded in the 12th century AD, derived from the old Irish personal name of Cainneach, meaning "handsome".
The surname O'Kane was first borne by the descendants of Caineach, who became the most powerful clan in Ulster. This clan would later form the modern-day Irish province of County Antrim, which derived its name from the Caineach.
Today, the surname O'Kane is widespread across Ireland and can be found in many other parts of the world, such as North America, Australia, and Europe. O'Kane families often identify with a strong sense of Irish pride and tradition, often holding close to their ancestral history and shared past. Over time, the O'Kane family has held onto their legacy of strength, honor, courage and resilience, committing to uphold these values of their ancient roots.
In Irish, the literal translation of O'Kane is "grandson of Caineach". This symbolism speaks to the powerful legacy of the O'Kane family, and the hard-fought sense of strength and pride that is held deeply within its roots.
Order DNA origin analysisO'Kane: Where does the name O'Kane come from?
The last name O'Kane is an Irish surname believed to be descended from multiple clans, possibly the O'Cahanes of Munster or the O'Kanes of Tír Aodha (Tyrone). It is most common today in Ireland, Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States.
In Ireland, the surname O'Kane is most commonly found in Counties Tyrone and Antrim, which together with Derry form the historic Province of Ulster. This region is closely associated with northern Irish history and culture, making it an ideal home for those of Irish descent.
In the United States, the surname O'Kane is most commonly found in coastal locations like New York, New Jersey, California, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. This is likely due to the concentration of Irish immigration to these areas in the 19th century. The presence of the surname O'Kane can also be seen in rural areas of the country, indicating the ability of many Irish immigrants to move past the coast and become part of the mainstream population.
In Canada, the surname O'Kane is most commonly found in Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec. This may be due to the large influx of Irish immigrants into Canada in the mid- to late-19th century, many of whom settled in these areas.
Overall, the surname O'Kane is most commonly found today in Ireland, Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. Despite the large diaspora of Irish immigrants throughout the world, the largest populations of those with the surname O'Kane still reside in these areas.
Variations of the surname O'Kane
The surname O’Kane can be spelt in various different ways, including OKane, O'Kain, O'Cahan, O'Kean, O'Keane, OKeane, and OKean. These variations are likely to be found throughout Ireland and Scotland, where the surname originates.
The O' prefix of the original spellings originates from the 11th century and is a marker of a clan or sept. It is found in many Irish surnames and denotes a connection to a family of shared ancestry. In this case, O'Kane refers to descendants of Cian, a 12th-century Irishman.
O’Kane is one of the most common surnames found in Ulster, a province in the north of Ireland, where it is traditionally anglicised to Kane, O'Kane, or Kean. The surname can also refer to someone who lives in Ceanannas, a townland in County Meath, Ireland.
In addition to the variations above, other variations of the surname include Kain, Cain, Keane, Keon, Keane, O'Cahens, O'Keenan, and O'Keynes. This is likely due to the fact that the name has been in use for centuries, during which time spelling conventions changed. It could also be due to individuals altering the spelling of their name in order to differentiate themselves from other individuals with the same name.
In Scotland, the surname is commonly spelt O'Cahan or Ochane; however, the spelling Kane is also found in areas such as the Isle of Skye.
The O’Kane surname is also found in several other countries, including Australia, the United States, Canada, and New Zealand. From these countries, the O’Kane name has spread across the world, becoming part of the diaspora of those with Irish and Scottish ancestry.
Famous people with the name O'Kane
- Graeme O'Kane: Irish actor, starred in the movie A Christmas Star
- Alasdair O'Kane: BBC sports journalist
- Evelyn O'Kane: American author, most known for her novel "The Tortoise and the Hare".
- Tish O'Kane: English singer-songwriter
- Fern O'Kane: American composer and producer
- Tiernan O'Kane: Irish musician and peacefully political protester
- Ivan O'Kane: Professional boxer from Ireland
- Declan O'Kane: Irish comedian and actor
- Seamus O'Kane: Irish politician and army general
- Megan O'Kane: Irish Olympic swimmer and medalist