Keneally

Keneally is a surname of Irish origin. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic Ó Cionnaith, meaning "descendant of Cionnaith". The personal name Cionnaith itself is derived from the elements "cion" meaning "love" and "laith" meaning "fierce". The name is most commonly found in the province of Connacht in western Ireland.

Notable individuals with the surname Keneally include Thomas Keneally, an acclaimed Australian novelist. He is best known for his historical fiction, particularly his 1967 novel "The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith" and his 1982 Booker Prize-winning novel "Schindler's Ark", which was later adapted into the Academy Award-winning film "Schindler's List". Keneally's work often explores themes of Australian identity, history, and the human condition.

The Keneally surname, while originating in Ireland, has spread to other English-speaking countries, particularly Australia and the United States, due to emigration patterns. As with many surnames, variations in spelling may exist. The distribution of the name reflects historical migration and settlement patterns of people of Irish descent.