Summary

The surname KEENER is believed to have originated from Germany. It derives from the Middle High German word 'kener', meaning 'bold' or 'brave'. The history of the Keener family can be traced back to the 13th century in the Rhineland region of Germany. Over time, some members of the Keener family migrated to other countries, including the United States, where the surname still exists today.
There are
13687
Keeners in the USA
Keener is the
2633rd
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Keener

KeiraKnightley

Keira Knightley is an English actress known for her roles in films such as 'Pride & Prejudice,' 'Atonement,' and the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' franchise.

KevinKeener

Kevin Keener is a professor of food science and faculty member at Purdue University, known for his research on food safety and high-pressure processing.

BillKeenan

Bill Keenan is a former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers.

DianeKeener

Diane Keener is an American painter known for her vibrant and expressive abstract works, which often incorporate elements of nature and the human figure.

JohnnyKeener

Johnny Keener is a musician and songwriter known for his soulful voice and blues-inspired guitar playing. He has released several albums and toured internationally.

PatriciaKeener

Patricia Keener is a renowned psychiatrist and researcher in the field of mental health, with a focus on neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism.

RichardKeener

Richard Keener was an American architect known for his contributions to the design and construction of numerous buildings in the Midwest region.

EmilyKeener

Emily Keener is a singer-songwriter and musician known for her folk and indie-pop style. She gained recognition as a contestant on 'The Voice' in 2016.

SamuelKeener

Samuel Keener was a prominent Quaker minister and author who played a significant role in the early development of the Quaker movement in North America.

GraceKeener

Grace Keener is a fashion designer known for her elegant and sophisticated designs. She has showcased her collections at major fashion events worldwide.

Keener Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Keener' is an occupational name derived from the Middle English word 'kener' or 'kenerre,' meaning 'one who inspects or assesses,' particularly in relation to measures and weights. It may have originally referred to a government official or inspector responsible for regulating weights and measures.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Keener' is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana, where a significant number of Keeners have historically resided.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Keener' include 'Kener,' 'Kiner,' and 'Keenor.'
Migration and ImmigrationThe migration and immigration patterns of people with the surname 'Keener' are closely tied to the historical movements of European settlers in the United States, particularly during the colonial and early American periods.