Surname Keilau - Meaning and Origin

Keilau: What does the surname Keilau mean?

Keilau is a surname believed to have its origins in Germany and Scandinavia. The name is derived from the Old German word “keil”, meaning "pin, wedge, or bolt". It's believed that the name is of occupational origin, likely referring to someone who worked in a factory or blacksmith making nails and bolts.

It's possible that the name is derived from the location of Keilau, a village located near the Eider river in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. For centuries, near the villages of Keilau, the Eider river had a significant part in transportation and trade. Furthermore, the region was an important source of iron ore, which was used in the manufacturing of nails and bolts.

The Keilau name spread further from its origins through the centuries, with families bearing the name eventually finding their way to the United States. Today, the surname Keilau is most commonly found in countries such as Germany and the United States, but can still be found in other countries throughout Europe and beyond.

Keilau is a unique surname with many centuries of history, often linked to blacksmiths and industry. It is a name that reminds us of the craftsmanship and hard work of generations before us.

Keilau: Where does the name Keilau come from?

The last name Keilau is most commonly seen today in the independent nation of The Republic of Vanuatu, located in the South Pacific Ocean. The tiny archipelago consists of over 80 islands with a population of just over 300,000, making it one of the least populated countries in the world. The great majority of the population of Vanuatu is of Melanesian origin, with smaller numbers of Polynesian, Chinese and European settlers.

The last name Keilau appears to be an indigenous name and can be found throughout all of Vanuatu's islands. It is most common throughout the Northern Philipines and the islands of the Bismark Sea. It is also commonly seen on the island of East Timor, located nearby.

That said, there are also Keilaus living in neighboring countries such as Australia and New Zealand. Emigration has resulted in the name travelling across the globe and being found further afield, from Europe to the Americas. Alternative spellings, such as Quailau, can also be found.

All in all, the last name Keilau is most likely found in The Republic of Vanuatu, with pockets seen in neighbouring countries throughout the South Pacific region, as well as countries further afield.

Variations of the surname Keilau

The Keilau surname has a few variations, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Though the most commonly seen version is spelled Keilau, other versions of the name include: Kailau, Kailou, Kaelau, Kealau, Keelau, and Kielau.

Kailau is a variation of the Keilau name and is usually seen written with a single "L". In some instances, the surname can also be found written as Kailou, Kaelau, and Kealau, all of which utilize the double "L". Meanwhile, the surnames of Keelau and Kielau derive from a slightly different spelling and usage of the double "L".

In some instances, the Keilau surname is linked to a few other, less-common surnames of the same origin. These derivatives of the Keilau name include Kailaw, Kaileu, Kaliau, Kealah, Keila, and Kilia, all of which stem from the original Keilau name.

Regardless of how the surname is spelled, all variations are believed to share a common origin. The name is largely thought to have originated from the Hawaiian language, deriving from the term kelanau, which means “a land of many bushes”. The surname may also be derived from the words kelio (“full of resources”) and alo (“ comfort”) when combined, producing the term Keilau, which conveys the meaning of a “community of resources.” Thus, regardless of its spelling, the Keilau surname conveys a meaning of prosperity and good fortune.

Famous people with the name Keilau

• Matti Käiläuren: Finnish footballer
• Johannes Käilau: Estonian musician and composer
• Tuomas Käilau: writer, filmmaker, and musician
• Riimu Käilau: Finnish actor
• Inna Käilau: Finnish singer and songwriter
• Marko Käilau: Finnish retired professional ice hockey forward
• Petteri Käilau: Finnish football goalkeeper
• Oskari Käilau: Finnish poet
• Pirjo Käilau: Finnish actress
• Kari Käilau: Finnish singer and actor

Other surnames

Keilacker