Keightley

The Keightley surname is of English origin and is locational, deriving from the hamlet of Keighley in West Yorkshire. The name is believed to have originated from the Old English words "cyte", meaning "a city" or "settlement", and "leah", meaning "a woodland clearing". Over time, this evolved to become Keighley. The surname Keightley eventually emerged as a way to identify individuals who hailed from or had connections to this particular location.

The Keightley surname has been recorded in various forms throughout history, including Kaightley, Kightley, and Kaity. Notable individuals bearing the surname have made contributions in various fields, including literature, history, and the arts.

One prominent figure with the surname Keightley was Thomas Keightley (1789–1872), a well-known Irish writer who delved into folklore, mythology, and history. His works include writings on popular tales, fairy mythology, and ancient history. Thomas Keightley's works have been influential in the study of folklore and cultural traditions.

Today, the Keightley surname continues to be borne by individuals across the United Kingdom and beyond, reflecting the rich history and heritage associated with the name.

There are approximately 1,507 people named Keightley in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,324th most common surname in Britain. Around 23 in a million people in Britain are named Keightley.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Arun
  • Barrie
  • Christopher
  • David
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Stephen

Female

  • Catherine
  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Jane
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.