KEELEY
Keeley
Origin and Meaning
Keeley is a surname of Irish and English origin. It is derived from the Irish name "Ó Cadhla," meaning descendant of Cadhla, which itself means "graceful" or "beautiful." In England, Keeley may also have originated from the Old English personal name "Cyne, " meaning royal or kingly, combined with "leah," meaning clearing.
Distribution and Popularity
The Keeley surname is most commonly found in Ireland and England. It is particularly prevalent in areas with historical Irish or Anglo-Saxon influence. Keeley has spread to other parts of the world, mainly due to emigration from the British Isles.
Notable Individuals
- Robert Keeley (1793-1869): An English-born musician and organ builder known for producing high-quality musical instruments.
- David Keeley (born 1967): A Canadian actor and singer of British descent, known for his work in musical theatre.
- William Keeley (1903-1985): A British film director and producer, known for his work in Hollywood during the mid-20th century.
Coat of Arms
The Keeley family coat of arms features a shield divided into two halves. The left half depicts a red lion on a silver background, symbolising courage and loyalty. The right half shows two green chevrons on a silver background, representing protection and fortitude. Above the shield is a helmet with silver and red mantling, topped with three ostrich feathers.
Legacy
The Keeley surname has a rich history and is associated with individuals who have excelled in various fields, including music, acting, and filmmaking. Its origin in both Irish and English cultures reflects the diversity and interconnectedness of the British Isles. Today, individuals with the surname Keeley can be found worldwide, contributing to a variety of professions and endeavours.
There are approximately 3,843 people named Keeley in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,429th most common surname in Britain. Around 59 in a million people in Britain are named Keeley.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
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
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- Thomas
Female
- Claire
- Clare
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Karen
- Laura
- Lorraine
- Margaret
- Mary
- Michelle
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Cailey
- Caley
- Calley
- Cayley
- Cloy
- Coley
- Colley
- Gailey
- Kaeley
- Kailey
- Kaily
- Kaley
- Kalie
- Kalley
- Kallie
- Kally
- Kaly
- Kalya
- Kayley
- Kealey
- Kealley
- Keally
- Kealy
- Keel
- Keelay
- Keele
- Keell
- Keelley
- Keelly
- Keels
- Keely
- Keighley
- Keighly
- Keiley
- Keilley
- Keilly
- Keily
- Kelay
- Kele
- Keleey
- Keley
- Keli
- Kelie
- Kelle
- Kelley
- Kellie
- Kellly
- Kelly
- Kellys
- Kely
- Keyley
- Kheel
- Kheili
- Kieley
- Kielly
- Kiely
- Kiley
- Killey
- Kily
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.