The Clan/Sept History

The Keane/Kane family were originally Mac Cathain of West Clare, O'Cahain of Ulster and O'Cain of Munster. In time their anglicisation as Keane, or Kane, made their topographical origins difficult to define. Their name derives from the personal name Cian.
Blosky O'Kane, who slew the heir to the throne in the 12th century, was the forefather of the MacCloskeys. Aibhne Ó'Cathain's descendants became the McEvinneys.
The Kanes tend to be numerous in Ulster while the Keanes are usually to be found in Munster and Connacht.