O'Keeffe ( ga, Ó Caoimh), also O'Keefe, Keef, Keefe, Keeffe, Keifer or Keever is the name of an

Irish Irish may refer to: Common meanings * Someone or something of, from, or related to: ** Ireland, an island situated off the north-western coast of continental Europe ***Éire, Irish language name for the isle ** Northern Ireland, a constituent unit ...

Gaelic Gaelic is an adjective that means "pertaining to the Gaels". As a noun it refers to the group of languages spoken by the Gaels, or to any one of the languages individually. Gaelic languages are spoken in Ireland, Scotland, the Isle of Man, and Ca ...

clan based most prominently in what is today

County Cork County Cork ( ga, Contae Chorcaí) is the largest and the southernmost county of Ireland, named after the city of Cork, the state's second-largest city. It is in the province of Munster and the Southern Region. Its largest market towns are ...

, particularly around

Fermoy Fermoy () is a town on the River Blackwater in east County Cork, Ireland. As of the 2016 census, the town and environs had a population of approximately 6,500 people. It is located in the barony of Condons and Clangibbon, and is in the Dái ...

and

Duhallow Duhallow () is a barony located in the north-western part of County Cork, Ireland. Legal context Baronies were created after the Norman invasion of Ireland as divisions of counties and were used in the administration of justice and the raising ...

. The name comes from ''caomh'', meaning "kind" or "gentle"; some reformed spellings present it as ''Ó Cuív'' and the feminine form of the original is ''Ní Chaoimh''. As the primary sept of the

Eóganacht Glendamnach Eóganacht Glendamnach were a branch of the Eóganachta, the ruling dynasty of Munster during the 5th-10th centuries. They took their name from Glendamnach (Glanworth, County Cork). They were descended from Óengus mac Nad Froích (died 489), the ...

, the family were once

Kings of Munster The kings of Munster ( ga, Rí Mumhan), ruled from the establishment of Kingdom of Munster, Munster during the Irish Iron Age, until the High Middle Ages. According to Gaelic traditional history, laid out in works such as the ''Book of Invasion ...

from the 6th to the 8th centuries.

Naming conventions

History

The original Caomh, from whom the family descend, lived in the early eleventh century, and was descended from

Cathal mac Finguine Cathal mac Finguine (died 742) was an Irish King of Munster or Cashel, and effectively High King of Ireland as well. He belonged to the Eóganacht Glendamnach sept of the dominant Eóganachta kin-group whose members dominated Munster from the 7 ...

, celebrated

King of Munster The kings of Munster ( ga, Rí Mumhan), ruled from the establishment of Munster during the Irish Iron Age, until the High Middle Ages. According to Gaelic traditional history, laid out in works such as the '' Book of Invasions'', the earliest ...

and the most powerful Irish king of the first half of the 8th century. See the main article,

Eóganachta The Eóganachta or Eoghanachta () were an Irish dynasty centred on Cashel which dominated southern Ireland (namely the Kingdom of Munster) from the 6/7th to the 10th centuries, and following that, in a restricted form, the Kingdom of Desmond, an ...

, for more discussion, as well as

, the specific

sept A sept is a division of a family, especially of a Scottish or Irish family. The term is used in both Scotland and Ireland, where it may be translated as ''sliocht'', meaning "progeny" or "seed", which may indicate the descendants of a person ( ...

of the family. The O'Keeffes are famous for claiming descent from the goddess

Clíodhna In Irish mythology, Clíodhna (Clídna, Clionadh, Clíodna, Clíona, transliterated to Cleena in English) is a Queen of the Banshees of the Tuatha Dé Danann. Clíodna of Carrigcleena is the potent banshee that rules as queen over the ''sidheog'' ...

and have a beloved story about her marriage to Caomh (Franklin, pp. 81 ff). Her sister

Aibell In Irish legend Aibell (sometimes Aoibheall (modern Irish spelling), also anglicised as Aeval) was the guardian spirit of the Dál gCais, the Dalcassians or Ó Bríen clan. She was the ruler of a ''sídhe'' in north Munster, and her dwelling ...

competed for his affections but Clíodhna ultimately triumphed using sorcery. For all of their history the family has been strongly associated with

. Originally the territory of the family lay along the banks of the

Blackwater river A blackwater river is a type of river with a slow-moving channel flowing through forested swamps or wetlands. As vegetation decays, tannins leach into the water, making a transparent, acidic water that is darkly stained, resembling black te ...

, near modern

, and were active in the wars of the twelfth century between the

O'Conor The O'Conor family (Middle Irish: ''Ó Conchubhair''; Modern ga, Ó Conchúir) are an Irish noble house and were one of the most influential and distinguished royal houses in Ireland. The O'Conor family held the throne of the Kingdom of Co ...

s and the Eoghanacht dynasties of

Munster Munster ( gle, an Mhumhain or ) is one of the provinces of Ireland, in the south of Ireland. In early Ireland, the Kingdom of Munster was one of the kingdoms of Gaelic Ireland ruled by a "king of over-kings" ( ga, rí ruirech). Following the ...

. However, the arrival of the Normans displaced them, like so many others, and they moved west into the barony of

, where their territory became known, and is still known, as Pobal O'Keeffe, where the senior branch of the family had their seat at Dromagh in Dromtarriff Parish. The last chiefs of this branch were Domhnall O'Keeffe of Dromagh (d. c. 1655), who was prominent in the Catholic Rebellion of the 1640s, and his son

Captain Captain is a title, an appellative for the commanding officer of a military unit; the supreme leader of a navy ship, merchant ship, aeroplane, spacecraft, or other vessel; or the commander of a port, fire or police department, election precinct, e ...

Daniel O'Keeffe, who was killed fighting for King James at the

Battle of Aughrim The Battle of Aughrim ( ga, Cath Eachroma) was the decisive battle of the Williamite War in Ireland. It was fought between the largely Irish Jacobite army loyal to James II and the forces of William III on 12 July 1691 (old style, equivalent ...

in 1691. The family estates were confiscated in 1703, and sold to the Hollow Blades Company. Even today, Pobal O'Keeffe is still the area in which the name is most common, with surrounding areas of County Cork also including many of the name. It remains relatively rare outside that county. In 1890, more than two-thirds of the births under the name are recorded in County Cork. Like many of the dispossessed Irish nobility, the O'Keeffes were active in the service of the Catholic monarchs of Europe. In 1740 Constantine O'Keeffe (born c. 1670) was admitted to the French aristocracy on the basis of his Irish pedigree, and his long service. The bearers of the surname "Cuif", found in the

Champagne Champagne (, ) is a sparkling wine originated and produced in the Champagne wine region of France under the rules of the appellation, that demand specific vineyard practices, sourcing of grapes exclusively from designated places within it, spe ...

district of northern France, are descendants of O'Keeffe soldiers. The original spelling is with two fs (O'Keeffe), and church officials recorded names as they were wrongly spelled, then often resulting in the name of a single person being recorded under several spelling variations, such as ''O'Keefe'', ''Keefe'', ''Keeffe'', ''Keiffe'', and others

Ó Caoimh

Brian Ó Cuív Brian Ó Cuív (1916 – 14 November 1999) was a Celtic scholar who specialised in Irish history and philology. Life Ó Cuív was professor of Celtic Studies at University College Dublin and later at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies. Hi ...

(Ó Caoimh) *

Éamon Ó Cuív Éamon Ó Cuív (; born 23 June 1950) is an Irish Fianna Fáil politician who has been a Teachta Dála (TD) for the Galway West constituency since the 1992 general election. He previously served as Deputy Leader of Fianna Fáil from 2011 to 2 ...

(born 1950), Irish politician

People named O'Keeffe

Alfred Henry O'Keeffe Alfred Henry O'Keeffe (21 July 1858 - 27 July 1941), was a notable New Zealand artist and art teacher, who spent the majority of his life in Dunedin. During the first quarter of the twentieth century, he was one of the few New Zealand artists to e ...

(1858–1941), New Zealand artist and art teacher *

Batt O'Keeffe Bartholomew O'Keeffe (born 2 April 1945) is a former Irish Fianna Fáil politician who served as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation from 2010 to 2011, Minister for Education and Science from 2008 to 2010 and a Minister of State from ...

, (born 1945), Irish politician *

Ben O'Keeffe Ben O'Keeffe (born 3 January 1989) is a rugby union referee from New Zealand. He currently referees at domestic, Super Rugby and test match level. Domestic career O'Keeffe became a professional referee for the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) i ...

, (born 1989), Doctor and New Zealand Professional Rugby Referee *

Bob O'Keeffe Robert O'Keeffe (16 August 1880 – 1949) was an Irish hurler who played for the Laois senior team. O'Keeffe was a regular member of the starting fifteen during the 1914 and 1915 championship campaigns. During that time he won one All-Irela ...

(1881–1949), Irish hurler * Ciarán O'Keeffe (born 1971), English psychologist specialising in parapsychology and forensic psychology * Corey O'Keeffe (born 1998), footballer *

Daniel O'Keeffe (judge) Daniel O'Keeffe, styled as Mr Justice Daniel O'Keeffe, was chairperson of the Standards in Public Office Commission from 11 February 2014 until 10 February 2020. He is a former Judge of the High Court (2008-2013). As Chairman of the Standards ...

(born 1943), barrister and Irish High Court judge *

Dan O'Keeffe Daniel Joseph O'Keeffe (2 June 1907 – 2 June 1967), known as "Danno", was an Irish Gaelic footballer, regarded by some as the greatest goalkeeper in the history of the sport. Career O'Keeffe was born in Fermoy, County Cork, but the family mo ...

(1907–1967), Irish footballer *

Danny O'Keefe Danny O'Keefe (born May 20, 1943) is an American folk singer and songwriter. Career In 1968, O'Keefe was a member of a four-man heavy psychedelic rock band named Calliope. The group recorded one album, ''Steamed'', for Buddah Records before di ...

(born 1943), American singer-songwriter based in Seattle, Washington * David O'Keeffe (lawyer), Irish jurist, professor of European law * David O'Keeffe (footballer) (born 1962), former Australian rules footballer *

Declan O'Keeffe Declan O'Keeffe (born 1972 in Rathmore, County Kerry, Rathmore, County Kerry) is an Irish people, Irish former Gaelic footballer who played at various times with his local clubs Rathmore GAA, Rathmore in Kerry and Clooney/Quin and St Josephs Do ...

(born 1972), retired Irish footballer *

Denis O'Keeffe Denis ‘Rookereen’ O’Keeffe was an Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Redmonds and was a member of the Cork senior inter-county team from 1900 until 1907. Playing career Club O’Keeffe played his club hurling with ...

, Irish hurler *

Dennis O'Keeffe Dennis O'Keeffe (1939–2014) was an English professor of social science at the University of Buckingham and editor of the ''Salisbury Review''. He was Education and Welfare Fellow at the Institute of Economic Affairs. In addition, he served on ...

, British professor of social science *

Eamonn O'Keefe Eamonn Gerard O'Keefe (born 13 October 1953) is an English-born Irish former professional footballer. He played as a forward, but in later years was moved into a midfield role. He moved from non-league Stalybridge Celtic to Plymouth Argyle, ...

, (born 1953) English-born Irish former footballer *

Eileen O'Keeffe Eileen O'Keeffe (born 31 May 1981 in Kilkenny) is a former female hammer thrower from Ireland. Her personal best throw of 73.21 metres, achieved in July 2007 at the national championships in Dublin, is the Irish records in athletics, Irish record ...

(born 1981), Irish former international hammer and discus thrower *

Eoin O'Keeffe Eoin O'Keeffe (born 20 April 1979) is an Irish composer and arranger. Biography O'Keeffe grew up in Clonmel, Ireland. As a member of his local youth band, he played clarinet and later trumpet, before spending some time as conductor and arranger ...

(born 1979), Irish composer based in the UK * Frank O'Keeffe (1896–1924), Australian cricketer *

Georgia O'Keeffe Georgia Totto O'Keeffe (November 15, 1887 – March 6, 1986) was an American modernist artist. She was known for her paintings of enlarged flowers, New York skyscrapers, and New Mexico landscapes. O'Keeffe has been called the "Mother of Amer ...

(1887–1986), American artist * Ger O'Keeffe (born 1952), retired Irish footballer * Hank O'Keeffe (1923–2011), American basketball player *

Irene O'Keeffe Irene O'Keeffe is a former camogie player, scorer of two goals in two minutes during the first half for Cork in their 1998 All Ireland final victory over Galway. Career She won five All Ireland senior medals in all, in 1992, when Cork halted ...

, Irish camogie player * Jessy Keeffe (born 1996), Australian rules footballer * James O'Keeffe (1912–1986), Irish Fine Gael politician *

Jim O'Keeffe Jim O'Keeffe (born 31 March 1941) is a former Irish Fine Gael politician who served as Minister of State from 1981 to 1982 and again from 982 to 1987. He served as a Teachta Dála (TD) for the Cork South-West constituency from 1977 to 2011. O' ...

(born 1941), Irish politician * Jonathan O'Keeffe (born 1977), birth name of Irish actor

Jonathan Rhys Meyers Jonathan Rhys Meyers (born Jonathan Michael Francis O'Keeffe; 27 July 1977) is an Irish actor, model and musician. He is known for his roles in the films ''Michael Collins (film), Michael Collins'' (1996), ''Velvet Goldmine'' (1998), ''Titus (f ...

Kain O'Keeffe Kain O'Keeffe (born 22 October 1987) is an Australian actor, known for his appearances in Australian television dramas and minor roles in films. Career O'Keeffe was born in Sydney, Australia on 22 October 1987. Between 2003-05 O'Keefe filmed t ...

(born 1987), Australian actor *

Kerry O'Keeffe Kerry James O'Keeffe (born 25 November 1949) is a former Australian cricketer and a current cricket commentator for Fox Sports. O'Keeffe played 24 Test matches and two One Day Internationals between 1971 and 1977. Playing career He was a spin ...

(born 1949), Australian cricketer and sports commentator *

Kevin O'Keeffe (footballer) Kevin O'Keeffe (born 22 October 1952) is a former Australian rules footballer who played with Fitzroy in the VFL during the 1970s. O'Keeffe, a half back, represented Victoria in an interstate match against Western Australia at the 1975 Knock ...

(born 1952), former Australian rules footballer * Kristin Bair O'Keeffe (born 1966) American novelist *

Lachlan Keeffe Lachlan Keeffe (born 14 April 1990) is a professional Australian rules footballer playing for the Greater Western Sydney Giants in the Australian Football League (AFL). He previously played for the Collingwood Football Club from 2009 to 201 ...

(born 1990), Australian rules footballer *

Laurence O'Keeffe Peter Laurence O'Keeffe (9 July 1931 – 2 May 2003) was a British diplomat who was ambassador to Czechoslovakia during the Velvet Revolution. Career O'Keeffe was educated at St Francis Xavier's College (Liverpool) and University College, Ox ...

(1931–2003), British diplomat, ambassador to Czechoslovakia during the 'Velvet Revolution' *

Miles O'Keeffe Miles O'Keeffe (born June 20, 1954) is an American film and television actor. O'Keeffe got his first big break playing the title role in the 1981 version of '' Tarzan, the Ape Man''. Youth O'Keeffe was born in Ripley, Tennessee. A star footb ...

(born 1954), American actor * Molly O'Keefe (born 1986), American author *

Natasha O'Keeffe Natasha Dervill O'Keeffe (born 1 December 1986) is a British actress. She is known for her roles as Abbey in the E4 series '' Misfits'' (2012–2013), Fedora in the ITV series '' Jekyll and Hyde'' (2015), Emilia Ricoletti in the '' Sherlock' ...

(born 1986), English actress * Ned O'Keeffe (born 1942), Irish politician *

Paddy O'Keeffe Paddy O'Keeffe (born 1864) was an Irish hurler who played as a half-back for the Cork senior team. O'Keeffe played for Cork for just one season in the 1893 championship. It was a successful year as he won a set of All-Ireland and Munster me ...

(born 1864), Irish hurler *

Padraig O'Keeffe Pádraig O'Keeffe (''Irish: Pádraig Ó Caoimh'') (1887 – 1963) was a noted Irish traditional musician. O'Keeffe was born in Glountane Cross (in the townland of Knockdown), Cordal, Castleisland, the eldest of eight children from a musi ...

(1887–1963), Irish traditional musician * Pat O'Keeffe (1883–1960), English boxer *

Patrick O'Keeffe (politician) Patrick O'Keeffe ( ga, Pádraig Ó Caoimh; 3 July 1881 – 21 September 1973) was an Irish politician, revolutionary and public servant. O'Keeffe was born in the townland of Nohovaldaly, Cullen, County Cork, the son of Daniel John O'Keeffe and ...

(died 1973), Irish politician * Patrick O'Keeffe (writer) (born 1964), Irish-American short story writer * Rhys O'Keeffe (born 1990), Australian rules footballer *

Sean O'Keeffe Sean O'Keeffe (born 10 May 1982) is a former Australian rules footballer who played with Carlton in the Australian Football League. O'Keeffe played his junior football for Wangaratta Rovers in the Ovens & Murray Football League, and played TA ...

(born 1982), Australian rules footballer *

Susan O'Keeffe Susan O'Keeffe (born 18 September 1960) is an Irish journalist and former Labour Party politician. Personal life She was educated at Mount Anville Secondary School, Dublin, and at University College Cork. She lives in Collooney, County Sligo w ...

, Irish politician and journalist * Timothy O'Keeffe (1926–1994), Irish editor and publisher * Trevor O'Keeffe (1968–1987), Irish man who was murdered while hitchhiking in France

Fictional characters

References

Footnotes

Bibliography

* Byrne, Francis J., ''Irish Kings and High-Kings''. Four Courts Press. 2nd edition, 2001. * Charles-Edwards, Thomas M., ''Early Christian Ireland''. Cambridge University Press. 2000. * Franklin, D., "Cliodhna, the Queen of the Fairies of South Munster", in
Journal of the Cork Historical and Archaeological Society, Volume III, Second Series
'. 1897. pp. 81 ff * MacLysaght, Edward, ''Irish Families: Their Names, Arms and Origins''. Irish Academic Press. 4th edition, 1998.

External links

at OKeefeClan.org
O'Keeffe
at the ''Irish Times''
O'Keeffe family pedigree
at Library Ireland {{DEFAULTSORT:O'keeffe Surnames Ancient Irish dynasties Clíodhna Aibell Anglicised Irish-language surnames