Barry Keoghan Finally Confirms How to Pronounce His Last Name
After years of fans debating the correct pronunciation, the Irish actor has set the record straight during recent public appearances. 2026 already has him in high-profile projects, including a thriller with Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo, and the eagerly awaited Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, featuring Cillian Murphy and Rebecca Ferguson.
In Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, Keoghan portrays Duke Shelby, the son of Tommy Shelby and a fresh force in the Birmingham gang. His portrayal has sparked discussions about his accent and delivery, prompting scrutiny from fans and critics alike.
Keoghan cleared up the pronunciation during a press tour for the new film. He stated plainly that his name is pronounced “Ke-oh-gan.” If you’ve been wondering how to say it correctly, he’s happy to help: it’s Ke-oh-gan.
The clarification came after host Greg James on BBC Radio 1 pressed Keoghan to settle the matter, noting that James himself has been pronouncing it correctly. Keoghan quipped that only another Keoghan would know for sure, adding, “Until a Keoghan tells you it’s not how you say it…” He also addressed a common mispronunciation, warning that “Kee-gan” sounds off and, in his words, resembles an infection.
The discussion quickly sparked lively online reactions. Some fans argued that the name is being anglicised, while others defended Keoghan’s own family pronunciation, rooted in Dublin. A few commenters insisted that he cannot pronounce his own name wrongly, especially given his background. The debate continued as viewers weighed in with mixed opinions about regional variations in Ireland.
Bottom line: for now, Barry Keoghan’s preferred pronunciation is the one he shares publicly. Whether you agree or not, the topic has certainly kept the conversation buzzing as fans await his 2026 projects.
[Related: Most Anticipated Movies of 2026] [Related: Best Movies of 2025]