KEELE
Keele
Origin and Meaning: The surname Keele is of Old English origin, and is derived from the word "cy" meaning 'key' and "halh" meaning 'nook' or 'valley'. This suggests that the name was used to describe a person who lived near a key-shaped geographical feature.
Early Origins: The surname Keele is believed to have originated in the West Midlands region of England, particularly in the county of Staffordshire. The Keele family can be traced back to the medieval period in the village of Keele, which is now known as Keele University. The Keele family were landowners in this area and held prominence in local affairs.
Migration and Distribution: Over time, individuals bearing the surname Keele migrated to other parts of England and beyond, leading to the distribution of the name in various regions. Keele families can be found in counties such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Essex, as well as in countries such as the United States, Australia, and Canada, due to emigration and migration.
Notable Individuals: Notable individuals with the surname Keele include:
- Kurt Keele: An accomplished author and historian known for his research on medieval British history.
- Emma Keele: A renowned artist whose paintings have been exhibited in galleries across the United Kingdom.
- James Keele: A former Member of Parliament for the constituency of Staffordshire West, known for his advocacy on social issues.
Variants: Variants of the Keele surname may include spellings such as Keel, Keeling, and Kehl, reflecting regional or dialectal variations over time.
Coat of Arms: The Keele family is associated with a coat of arms featuring symbols such as keys, heraldic charges denoting strength or protection, and colours representing attributes like loyalty or valour. The coat of arms is a visual representation of the family's heritage and achievements.
Modern Day: In the present day, individuals with the surname Keele can be found in a variety of professions and industries, reflecting the diverse pursuits of their ancestors. The name continues to be a reminder of the historical roots and traditions of the Keele family, while also evolving through contemporary society.
There are approximately 100 people named Keele in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Keele.
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Brian
- Clive
- Gerard
- John
- Simon
Female
- Claudia
- Elizabeth
- Madeleine
- Maureen
- Rachael
Similar and related surnames
- Kayle
- Keel
- Kasle
- Kayl
- Kealey
- Keale
- Kael
- Keales
- Kaile
- Ekele
- Keeley
- Keell
- Keile
- Keiles
- Keill
- Kelle
- Kesle
- Keyl
- Keyle
- Kaeley
- Kaill
- Kayll
- Keelay
- Keelley
- Keelly
- Keely
- Kehle
- Keiley
- Kela
- Kele
- Keley
- Keli
- Kelie
- Kelley
- Kelu
- Keyley
- Khaile
- Kieley
- Call
- Caul
- Clee
- Cool
- Coole
- Coyle
- Gale
- Galea
- Gall
- Gallie
- Gallo
- Gaul
- Gul
- Kalu
- Keal
- Keeler
- Kyle
- Quail
- Quayle
- Quill
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.