KEILLER

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Keiller

Keiller is a Scottish surname of Old Norse origin, believed to have been derived from the Old Norse personal name "Kjallar" or "Kialli", meaning 'cauldron' or 'kettle'. The name was likely used as a nickname for someone who made or sold cauldrons or kettle-like objects.

The Keiller surname is mostly found in Scotland, particularly in the Angus region, where the Keiller family has historical connections to the town of Dundee. The most well-known association with the Keiller surname is through the Keiller marmalade brand, which was founded by the Keiller family in the late 18th century.

The Keiller family's involvement in the marmalade business began with Janet Keiller and her son James Keiller, who started producing marmalade in Dundee in the late 18th century. The Keiller brand became famous for its high-quality fruit preserves and marmalades, which were exported across the British Empire and beyond.

Notable individuals with the Keiller surname include Sir James Keiller, a prominent businessman and member of the Keiller marmalade dynasty, who played a significant role in the development of Dundee as an industrial centre.

The Keiller surname continues to have a presence in Scotland and beyond, with descendants of the original Keiller family still carrying on the family name and legacy.

There are approximately 472 people named Keiller in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around seven in a million people in Britain are named Keiller.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

Alan
Andrew
David
Derek
George
Ian
James
Jason
John
Mark
Michael
Peter
Robert

Female

Deborah
Elizabeth
Helen
Jean
Jennifer
Joanna
Michelle
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.