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Keith Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning

Where did the surname Keith come from? What does the surname Keith mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Keith and family migration on YourRoots Map.


Similar surnames:

Keath, Keeth, Keitt, Kight, Kite

Surname Keith Origin: What does the last name Keith mean?

The surname Keith has multiple origins. It is linked to Keith in East Lothian, Scotland, and also stems from a Middle High German word meaning "sprout" or "offspring," which has roots in Sanskrit, signifying field or farm. YourRoots data indicates that the surname Keith first appeared in records from Scotland around the early 11th century. The name remained closely associated with Scotland through the 16th century, but by the 17th century, it had started appearing in the United States, hinting at an early global spread.

By the 17th century, the Keith surname showed a significant increase in the United States, surpassing Scotland in the volume of records by the 18th century. Today, the Keith surname is prevalent in both the United States and Scotland, with a strong presence in these regions. While most prominent in these countries, the Keith surname is also found in various other regions worldwide, showcasing a widespread distribution and a rich historical legacy.

Keith Last Name History: Where did the last name Keith come from?

Origin of Keith Surname: Where does the last name Keith originate from?

According to YourRoots data, the surname Keith first appeared in records from Scotland, United Kingdom around the early 11th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact “Keith” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.

History of the Last Name Keith: What does the Keith surname history look like in the early days?

The “Keith” surname remained closely associated with Scotland, United Kingdom from the 11th through the 16th century. Although the records primarily indicate a Scottish origin, it's worth noting that the surname had also started appearing in the United States by the 17th century, hinting at an early global spread.

Global Spread: Where can we find the Keith surname today?

By the 17th century, the volume of records with the Keith surname started showing a significant increase in the United States. By the 18th century, the United States had surpassed Scotland in the volume of Keith surname records, a trend that continued into the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, the “Keith” surname appears frequently in both the United States and Scotland, indicating a strong presence in these regions. While the surname Keith is most prominent in these two countries, it's also found in various other regions worldwide.


Explore Keith last name heritage and Keith surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Keith surname origin, history, meaning based on YourRoots Map dataVIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME KEITH

Famous People With Keith Surame?

  • YourRoots Map_Surname_Famous People_Toby Keith

    Toby Keith

    Toby Keith Covel (July 8, 1961 - February 5, 2024) was a prominent American country music singer, songwriter, and actor. He released multiple chart-topping albums and singles, earning numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. Keith was a highly successful and influential figure in the country music industry.

  • YourRoots Map_Surname_Famous People_Miguel Keith

    Miguel Keith

    Miguel Keith (June 2, 1951 - May 8, 1970) was a brave United States Marine who received the Medal of Honor for his heroism in Vietnam. Despite being severely wounded, he courageously faced enemy attackers, allowing his platoon to triumph against a larger force.

  • YourRoots Map_Surname_Famous People_Marianne Keith

    Marianne Keith

    Marianne Keith (July 29, 1985) is an American singer-songwriter known for her folk and adult contemporary music. She has released multiple albums and won awards for her work in the music industry. Keith has performed alongside notable artists like Better Than Ezra and Joe Bonamassa.

  • YourRoots Map_Surname_Famous People_Marianne Keith

  • YourRoots Map_Surname_Famous People_Marianne Keith

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