Keir

The surname Keir is of Scottish origin, deriving from the Gaelic word 'mac aodha', meaning ‘son of Aodh’. Often found in Scotland and Northern Ireland, the name has historical roots in ancient Celtic culture. The Keir family has a long-standing presence in British history, with records dating back to the medieval period.

Notable individuals bearing the surname Keir include James Keir (1735–1820), a prominent Scottish chemist and industrialist, known for his contributions to the development of the chemical industry. The Keir Hardie (1856–1915) was a key figure in British political history, renowned for his founding role in the Labour Party and advocacy for workers' rights.

The Keir name holds significance in various fields, with members of the family achieving success in academia, politics, and the arts. The enduring legacy of the Keir surname reflects its place in the cultural tapestry of Britain.

References:

  • Scottish Surnames and Their Origins, Malcolm Fife
  • Biographical Dictionary of Scottish Women, Elizabeth Ewan et al.

There are approximately 2,179 people named Keir in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,918th most common surname in Britain. Around 33 in a million people in Britain are named Keir.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Scotland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alan
  • Alexander
  • Andrew
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Kenneth
  • Paul
  • Robert
  • William

Female

  • Alison
  • Angela
  • Catherine
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Jacqueline
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Linda
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Sarah

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