O'Keeffe () is an Irish

Gaelic Gaelic (pronounced for Irish Gaelic and for Scots Gaelic) is an adjective that means "pertaining to the Gaels". It may refer to: Languages * Gaelic languages or Goidelic languages, a linguistic group that is one of the two branches of the Insul ...

clan based most prominently in what is today

County Cork County Cork () is the largest and the southernmost Counties of Ireland, county of Republic of Ireland, Ireland, named after the city of Cork (city), Cork, the state's second-largest city. It is in the Provinces of Ireland, province of Munster ...

, particularly around

Fermoy Fermoy () is a town on the Munster Blackwater, River Blackwater in east County Cork, Ireland. As of the 2022 census of Ireland, 2022 census, the town and environs had a population of approximately 6,700 people. It is located in the barony (Ir ...

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 Irish counties and used in the administration of justice and the raisi ...

. The name comes from ''caomh'', meaning "kind", "gentle", "noble" 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 () ruled the Kingdom of Munster in Ireland from its establishment 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 earli ...

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 7t ...

, celebrated

King of Munster The kings of Munster () ruled the Kingdom of Munster in Ireland from its establishment 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 earli ...

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

Eóganachta The Eóganachta (Modern , ) were an Irish dynasty centred on Rock of Cashel, 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 De ...

, 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 both in Scotland and in Ireland, where it may be translated as Irish , meaning "progeny" or "seed", and 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 ''sióga'' ...

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 or Eevill) was a Pre-Christian goddess from the Irish mythology of Munster and the guardian spirit of the Dál gCais, the Delbhna, and the Clan � ...

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#Classification, river with a slow-moving channel flowing through forested swamps or wetlands. Most major blackwater rivers are in the Amazon Basin and the Southern United States. The term is used in fluvial ...

, near modern

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

O'Conor The O'Conor dynasty (Middle Irish: ''Ó Conchobhair''; Modern ) are an Irish noble dynasty and formerly one of the most influential and distinguished royal dynasties in Ireland. The O'Conor family held the throne of the Kingdom of Connacht up ...

s and the Eoghanacht dynasties of

Munster Munster ( or ) is the largest of the four provinces of Ireland, located in the south west of the island. In early Ireland, the Kingdom of Munster was one of the kingdoms of Gaelic Ireland ruled by a "king of over-kings" (). Following the Nor ...

. 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 or highest rank officer of a navy ship, merchant ship, aeroplane, spacecraft, or other vessel; or the commander of a port, fire or police depa ...

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

Battle of Aughrim The Battle of Aughrim () was the decisive battle of the Williamite War in Ireland. It was fought between the largely Irish Army (Kingdom of Ireland), Irish Jacobitism, Jacobite army loyal to James II of England, James II and the forces of Will ...

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, which demand specific vineyard practices, sourcing of grapes exclusively from designated places within it, spe ...

district of northern France, are descendants of O'Keeffe soldiers.

Ó Caoimh

Brian Ó Cuív Brian Ó Cuív (20 November 1916 – 14 November 1999) was an Irish scholar who specialised in Celtic history and philology. Life Ó Cuív was professor of Celtic Studies at University College Dublin and later at the Dublin Institute for Advanc ...

(Ó Caoimh) *

Éamon Ó Cuív Éamon Ó Cuív (; born 23 June 1950) is an Irish former Fianna Fáil politician who served as a Teachta Dála (TD) for the Galway West constituency from 1992 to 2024. He previously served as deputy leader of Fianna Fáil from 2011 to 2012, a ...

(born 1950), Irish politician

People named O'Keeffe

Alfred Henry O'Keeffe Alfred Henry O'Keeffe (21 July 1858 - 27 July 1941), was a 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 engage wi ...

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

Batt O'Keeffe Bartholomew O'Keeffe (born 2 April 1945) is an Irish former 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 fro ...

, (born 1945), Irish politician *

Ben O'Keeffe Benjamin Dennis O'Keeffe (born 3 January 1989) is a rugby union referee from New Zealand. He currently referees at Mitre 10 Cup, domestic, Super Rugby and Test match (rugby union), test match level and holds the record for most first-class gam ...

, (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-Irelan ...

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

Corey O'Keeffe Corey James John O'Keeffe (born 5 June 1998) is a professional footballer who plays as a full back or midfielder for club Barnsley. O'Keeffe began his career with Birmingham City, made his senior debut in 2016, and spent time on loan at Soli ...

(born 1998), footballer *

Daniel O'Keeffe (judge) Daniel O'Keeffe (born 5 May 1943) is a retired Irish judge who served as Chair of the Standards in Public Office Commission from 2014 to 2020, a Judge of the High Court from 2008 to 2013, and Chair of the Irish Takeover Panel from 1998 to 2008. ...

(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 mov ...

(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 the Calliope. The group recorded one album, ''Steamed'', for Buddah Records befor ...

(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) is an Irish former Gaelic footballer who played at various times with his local clubs Rathmore in Kerry and Clooney/Quin and St Josephs Doora-Barefield in Clare. He was a member at senior ...

(born 1972), retired Irish footballer * Denis O'Keeffe, Irish hurler * Dennis O'Keeffe, British professor of social science * Eamonn O'Keefe, (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 record for the event. Over her ca ...

(born 1981), Irish former international hammer and discus thrower * Eoin O'Keeffe (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 Modernism, modernist painter and drafter, draftswoman whose career spanned seven decades and whose work remained largely independent of major art movements. Called the "M ...

(1887–1986), American artist * Ger O'Keeffe (born 1952), retired Irish footballer * Hank O'Keeffe (1923–2011), American basketball player * Ida O'Keeffe (1889–1961), American artist *

Jessy Keeffe Jessy Keeffe (born 17 July 1996) is a retired Australian rules footballer who played for Brisbane in the AFL Women's competition (AFLW). She was playing for Yeronga South Brisbane in the AFL Queensland Women's League (QWAFL) when she was draft ...

(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 an Irish former Fine Gael politician who served as Minister of State from 1981 to 1982 and again from 1982 to 1987. He served as a Teachta Dála (TD) for the Cork South-West constituency from 1977 to 2011. ...

(born 1941), Irish politician *

John O'Keeffe (writer) John O'Keeffe (24 June 1747 – 4 February 1833) was an Irish actor and dramatist. He wrote a number of farces, amusing dramatic pieces and librettos for pasticcio operas, many of which had great success. Among these are '' Tony Lumpkin in Town'' ...

(1747–1833), Irish playwright * 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. He is known for his roles in the films '' Michael Collins'' (1996), '' Velvet Goldmine'' (1998), ''Titus'' (1999), ''Bend It Like Beckham'' (2002), ' ...

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 and 2005 O'Keefe f ...

(born 1987), Australian actor *

Kerry O'Keeffe Kerry James O'Keeffe (born 25 November 1949) is an Australian former cricketer and a current cricket commentator for Fox Sports. O'Keeffe played 24 Test matches and two One Day Internationals between 1971 and 1977. Due to his comedic anecdotes ...

(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 Kristin Bair O'Keeffe (born 1966) is an American novelist, essayist and educator. She is the author of ''Agatha Arch Is Afraid of Everything'', ''The Art of Floating'', and ''Thirsty'', which focused on issues related to domestic violence. Biogra ...

(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 2017. ...

(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, Oxfo ...

(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 footba ...

(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 (TV channel), E4 series ''Misfits (TV series), Misfits'' (2012–2013), Fedora in the ITV (TV channel), ITV series ''Jekyll and ...

(born 1986), English actress * Ned O'Keeffe (born 1942), Irish politician * Paddy O'Keeffe (born 1864), Irish hurler *

Padraig O'Keeffe Pádraig O'Keeffe ('' Irish: Pádraig Ó Caoimh'') (1887 – 1963) was an Irish traditional musician. O'Keeffe was born in Glountane Cross (in the townland of Knockdown), Cordal, near Castleisland in County Kerry, the eldest of eight ch ...

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

Patrick O'Keeffe (politician) Patrick O'Keeffe (; 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 Bridget Sullivan. He ...

(died 1973), Irish politician *

Patrick O'Keeffe (writer) Patrick O’Keeffe (born 1963 in Limerick) is an Irish American novelist and short story writer. Life He grew up in County Limerick, on a farm with his 9 brothers and sisters, but moved to the United States in his 20s to pursue writing. He gradu ...

(born 1964), Irish-American short story writer * Peggy O'Keefe (1928–2019), Australian-Scottish pianist * 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 T ...

(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 ...

, Irish politician and journalist *

Timothy O'Keeffe Timothy O'Keeffe (27 September 1926 – 11 January 1994) was an Irish-born editor and publisher. He was born in Scilly, Kinsale, County Cork, and served as editorial director of the London publishing house MacGibbon & Kee. He later formed his ow ...

(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