Key Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Key come from? What does the surname Key mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Key and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Key Origin: What does the last name Key mean?
The surname Key is of English and Dutch origin, with roots dating back to the early 14th century in records from England. In the early days, the Key family name was closely associated with the United Kingdom, particularly England, from the 14th to the 16th century. Over time, the surname began to spread to other countries, although specific locations are not detailed in the YourRoots data summary.
By the 17th century, the volume of records with the Key surname significantly increased in the United States, surpassing the United Kingdom in record volume during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the surname Key remains prominent in the United States, according to YourRoots data. While the exact global spread of the Key surname in other countries is unspecified in the provided data summary, its presence in various regions signifies a continued legacy and influence across different cultures and territories.
Key Last Name History: Where did the last name Key come from?
Origin of Key Surname: Where does the last name Key originate from?
The surname Key first appears in the YourRoots data in records from England, specifically in the United Kingdom, around the early 14th century. It's important to note that this reflects only YourRoots data with the exact spelling of “Key” and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Key: What does the Key surname history look like in the early days?
The “Key” surname remained closely associated with the United Kingdom, especially England, from the 14th to the 16th century. As we look at the YourRoots data, we can see that the Key family records began to spread to other countries over time, although the exact countries are not specified in the provided data summary.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Key surname today?
By the 17th century, the volume of records with the Key surname saw a significant increase in the United States. This trend continued into the 18th and 19th centuries, with the United States surpassing the United Kingdom in terms of record volume. Today, the “Key” surname is prominent in the United States, based on the YourRoots data. However, the exact spread in other countries today remains unspecified in the provided data summary.
Explore Key last name heritage and Key surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Key Surame?
Keegan-Michael Key
Keegan-Michael Key (Mar 22, 1971 - ) is an American comedian, actor, producer, and writer known for his work on the sketch series Key & Peele, Mad TV, and various TV shows and films. He has received one Primetime Emmy Award and has appeared in popular movies like Pitch Perfect 2, Dolemite Is My Name, and The Prom. Key has also lent his voice to animated films such as The Lego Movie and Hotel Transylvania franchise. He is recognized for his comedic talent, versatility, and contributions to the entertainment industry.
Tim Key
Timothy Key (born Sep 2, 1976) is an English poet, comedian, actor, and screenwriter. He is known for his solo acts at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, his role as Simon in Alan Partridge's series, and winning the Edinburgh Comedy Award in 2009. Key has appeared in various stage productions, radio shows on BBC Radio 4, and television series like "Mid Morning Matters" and "This Time with Alan Partridge." With a unique blend of humor and poetry, Key has captured audiences worldwide with his witty performances and originality.
Francis Scott Key
Francis Scott Key (August 1, 1779 – January 11, 1843) was an American lawyer, author, and poet best known for writing "Defence of Fort M'Henry", which later became the U.S. national anthem "The Star-Spangled Banner". Inspired by seeing the American flag fly over Fort McHenry during the War of 1812, Key penned the poem set to the tune of "To Anacreon in Heaven". He was also a prominent lawyer in Maryland and Washington, D.C., working on important cases and serving as District Attorney. Key's legacy is intertwined with American history and patriotism, immortalized in the anthem sung at major events and celebrations across the nation.
Locke & Key
Locke & Key is a comic book series created by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodríguez, published by IDW Publishing. The story follows the Locke family as they discover magical keys in their ancestral home, Keyhouse, leading to encounters with demons and other supernatural beings. The series explores themes of family, grief, and the power of imagination. With a mix of horror, fantasy, and mystery, Locke & Key has gained a strong following and critical acclaim, making it a must-read for fans of dark, immersive storytelling.
John Key
Sir John Phillip Key (born 9 Aug 1961) is a retired New Zealand politician who served as the country's 38th prime minister from 2008 to 2016. Raised by a single mother in Christchurch, Key had a successful career in finance before entering politics. During his time in office, he implemented economic policies, faced natural disasters like the Christchurch earthquake, and made significant foreign policy decisions. Key's leadership was marked by both praise and criticism, but he left a lasting impact on New Zealand politics.
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