KEITH
Keith
Origin and Meaning The surname Keith is of Scottish origin, derived from the Old Norse personal name "kol" and the word "heit", meaning "forest". The name is believed to have originated in the Carse of Gowrie region of Scotland. The Keith family is historically associated with the area around Aberdeenshire in Scotland.
History The Keith family rose to prominence in Scotland during the Middle Ages and played significant roles in the country's history. The most famous branch of the family is the Keiths of Dunnottar Castle, known for their loyalty to the Scottish Crown.
One of the most renowned figures associated with the Keith surname is Sir William Keith, the 4th Earl Marischal, who served as a statesman and military leader during the 16th century. The Keith family's connections to royalty and military endeavours further solidified their influential status within Scottish society.
Notable Bearers
- Sir William Keith, 4th Earl Marischal - Prominent statesman and military leader.
- Field Marshal James Francis Edward Keith - Renowned military commander who served in various European armies during the 18th century.
Variants Variants of the Keith surname include Keath, Keathe, and MacKeith.
The Keith surname continues to be borne by individuals worldwide, reflecting the enduring legacy of this distinguished Scottish family.
There are approximately 5,465 people named Keith in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,734th most common surname in Britain. Around 84 in a million people in Britain are named Keith.
Surname type: From given name or forename
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
- Alexander
- Andrew
- David
- George
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Robert
- William
Female
- Angela
- Caroline
- Elizabeth
- Julie
- Karen
- Linda
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Pauline
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Keat
- Keath
- Kath
- Kathe
- Kathy
- Kaith
- Kieth
- Keit
- Keita
- Caithie
- Cath
- Cathe
- Cathee
- Cathie
- Cauth
- Coath
- Cooth
- Coth
- Couth
- Cuth
- Cuthie
- Gaeth
- Gaith
- Gaitho
- Gath
- Gatha
- Gathe
- Gathia
- Gathii
- Gathu
- Gauth
- Gauthe
- Ghaith
- Gheith
- Goethe
- Gooth
- Goth
- Gothe
- Gothi
- Gouth
- Gueth
- Guith
- Guth
- Gutha
- Guthe
- Guthie
- Kait
- Katha
- Kathi
- Kauth
- Keet
- Keeth
- Keight
- Keites
- Keithly
- Keitt
- Keitts
- Ket
- Keth
- Kett
- Keyt
- Keyth
- Kiet
- Kietz
- Kith
- Koth
- Kotha
- Kothe
- Kothia
- Kuethe
- Kuth
- Kuthe
- Kethu
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.