Surname English equivalences such as Keys or Keyes - Meaning and Origin
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English equivalences such as Keys or Keyes: What does the surname English equivalences such as Keys or Keyes mean?
The last name English Keys or Keyes has multiple different interpretations. It can refer to its origin, where it may be related to a locksmith or metalworker who made or used keys. In this interpretation, the name could reflect a profession or even a physical place with a connection to lock-making or metal-working (such as a key workshop). Alternatively, it could be an occupational surname taken from the Old English word cyse, which was used to describe a local official similar to an earl's steward. Lastly, the name could also be a topographic name, which indicates that someone who originally held the name may have come from an area that was near a bridge, stream, ford, hill, or other feature whose shape resembled a handle.
Whichever interpretation is correct, the name has a long and varied history; from its use relating to workers and officials, to describing physical places, it has been around for centuries. It is a name that is generally associated with a sense of ingenuity, craftsmanship, and a preoccupation with the nature of locks and barriers. Ultimately, however, the exact source and meaning of the name may be difficult to track down – the many centuries of usage, changing language, and faint records mean that the true meaning of the name may never be fully known.
Order DNA origin analysisEnglish equivalences such as Keys or Keyes: Where does the name English equivalences such as Keys or Keyes come from?
The last names English Keys or Keyes are actually quite common in many different places in the world today. They originated in England and are still fairly prominent among English speakers in the UK, Australia, Canada and the US.
Keys and Keyes are derived from the Gaelic language, originating either from Ó Caoidheain, which means descendant of Caoidheann, or from a shorter version of Mac Iain, which means son of John. There is also a Old Welsh variant which is Ky or Kyffin.
Keys and Keyes have become popular last names among English speakers. They are the 8th and 13th most common surnames in the UK respectively. In addition, both of them rank in the 300s in the US Census, so they are especially prevalent in the United States.
The Keys and Keyes surname appears in many different contexts, from the politician Alan Keyes to the famous British philosopher John Locke and the American civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer. Variations of the surname can be seen amongst certain celebrity, families and media personalities, such as the actress Bess Keys and the journalist Katie Couric.
It’s no surprise that the surname Keys or Keyes is a fairly popular last name among English speakers today. Its origins lie in ancient languages, but it’s still a prominent surname that is used by many people in different countries across the globe.
Variations of the surname English equivalences such as Keys or Keyes
The surname Keys or Keyes can have various spellings and variants. It is of English origin.
The most common spelling of the surname is Keys, but other versions such as Keyes, Kees, Kyes, Keyse, Kays and Keaz have also been used historically.
The surname Keys is most likely derived from the Old English term “ceosan” meaning to choose or select. As a result of its origin, Keys can be seen in old documents as both a forename (first name) and as a surname.
Keyes is an alternate spelling of Keys and is also derived from the Old English “ceosan”. It may also be a variant of Key, another English surname that originated from the Old English “cēg” meaning “an island or peninsula” or “a dwelling by the sea.”
One variant of Keys found mostly in the United States is Kees. It may have originated from the Dutch surname “Keese” meaning “cheese.” Kyes is another variant spelling that is primarily found in the United States. It may have originated from the Old English “cyssan” meaning to kiss.
The surnames Keyse, Kays and Keaz are also variants of Keys and likely originated from the Old English “ceosan.”
Overall, the surname Keys or Keyes has many variants, spellings and surnames of similar origin. These variants have been used mainly in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Famous people with the name English equivalences such as Keys or Keyes
- Alicia Keys: American singer, songwriter, record producer, actress, and activist
- Kate Keyes: American musician, female vocalist, and model
- William Keyes: British actor
- John Keyes: Canadian actor
- Jack Keyes: American professional skateboarder
- Terry Keyes: American four-time NBA All-Star
- Robert Keyes: Canadian politician
- Sir Ralph Keyes: British Conservative politician
- Anne Keyes: English musician, singer and actress
- Reese Keyes: American semi-professional basketball player
- Michael Keyes: American composer and musician
- Johnathan Keyes: American figure skater
- David Keyes: American musician, songwriter and record producer
- Vince Keyes: American football player and former professional boxer
- Lawrence Keyes: American football quarterback
- Robert O. Keyes: American actor and theater director
- Daniel Keyes: American author
- Tony Keyes: American film director
- Joe Keyes: English former professional footballer
- Humphrey Keyes: English former professional footballer