The Anglo Irish surname Keating entered Ireland with the Anglo Norman invasions of 1169-1170, and is regarded as one of the earliest of the hibernicized settler families. The surname derives from the pre 7th century English patronymic Cyting, a compound of cyta meaning "kite", and originally given as a nickname to a fierce, rapacious person. The suffix "ing", in this context means the "sons or dependants of". The Keatings settled first in County Wexford, but branches of the family soon established themselves in other areas to the north. From the year 1302 onwards members of the family held many positions of importance as sheriffs, and members of parliament whilst John Keating, (1635-1695), rose to the position of Lord Chief Justice in 1679.