Surname Keyse - Meaning and Origin

Keyse: What does the surname Keyse mean?

The surname Keyse is an anglicized spelling of the old Norman-French name Keyes, which is believed to have originated from a place name in Britain, most likely in the form "Kayes". This place name is derived from the Old English word "caeg" which means "quay" or "wood of evergreen trees". The surname Keyse and its counterparts could refer to a person who originally came from a place named Kayes.

Keyse could also be a trade name or occupational name. It could have originated from the Old English word "caeges" meaning "carpenter", suggesting the original bearer of the name was a skilled craftsman or carpenter. The occupational connection is further strengthened by the fact that the surname Keyse is most common in Somerset, a county in South West England which was historically centered around woodworking and craftsmanship.

The surname Keyes may also be a patronymic surname, meaning it is derived from a father's given name and was used to distinguish the offspring of the original servant of the Lord from other families with the same name. In this case, the name would have originated from an ancestor whose given name was something like Kaige, Kian, or Key.

Overall, the surname Keyse is believed to be a toponymic, occupational, and patronymic surname of Anglo-Saxon origin, originating from the place name Kayes or from the Old English words "caeg" and "caeges". It is most commonly found in Somerset, a region known for its woodworking and craftsmanship.

Keyse: Where does the name Keyse come from?

The last name Keyse is most commonly associated with the English-speaking world today. It can be found in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. The origin of the name is likely from England and Wales, where it is most commonly found.

In England, the name is particularly common in the counties of Surrey, Kent, and Essex. There is a concentration of the surname in the New Forest area of Hampshire, which may suggest the presence of a family with this name in this region dating to the Middle Ages.

In Canada, Keyse is mostly found in Ontario and Alberta. It is also common in Toronto, where it is especially popular amongst those of British and French ancestry. In the United States, Keyse is popular in New York and Illinois.

In Australia, the name is particularly common in the state of Victoria, with a concentration around the Melbourne metropolitan area. In the same region, it is also found in New South Wales and Queensland. Finally, in New Zealand, Keyse is mainly found in the North Island.

Overall, the last name Keyse is very common in English-speaking countries today. It is especially present in certain regions, suggesting the presence of a family line with this surname originating from the Middle Ages.

Variations of the surname Keyse

The surname Keyse is a patronymic surname with early English roots and is most common in the West Midlands region of England. It is also quite popular in the former British colonies. Variants of the surname include Keys, Keese, Keyser, Keizer, Kayser and Keeser. All of these variants are thought to have evolved from the Middle English word keise referring to a cask or barrel.

The Irish form of the surname is Keeshan which is also derived from the Middle English keise. The Scottish variant is Keyser and this spelling was probably adopted by Scottish immigrants in the United States when they anglicized their surname.

The spelling Keyse is also used occasionally by some people of Jewish heritage. This is because the similar-sounding Yiddish word Keise translates to 'cask'.

In some parts of the United States, the surname Keesey is common. This was probably due to an incorrect recording of the surname Keyse in US immigration records.

In addition to the variations in spelling, some people adopt the surnames associated with their national identity for various reasons. For example, some people of German heritage may change their surname to Kayser to demonstrate their German ancestry. Similarly, some people of Dutch heritage may adopt the surname Keizer.

Famous people with the name Keyse

• Frytha Keyse-Walker: An English artist, painter, interior designer and furniture maker.
• Rayne Keyse: Musician and singer/songwriter found in the psychedelic and blues rock genres.
• Cy Keyse: British sculptor and creator of art installations.
• Michael Keyse: British chef, writer, teacher and advocate of food sustainability.
• Ontonio Keyse: French filmmaker, director and screenwriter.
• Jessica Keyse: American actress, singer and songwriter.
• Mary Keyse: British ballerina, director and choreographer.
• James Keyse: American chef, restaurateur and food writer.
• Antony Keyse: British theatre director, writer, composer and actor.
• Neil Keyse: British sculptor and abstract artist.
• Dominic Keyse: British film producer, actor and director.
• Owen Keyse: British rapper and former frontman of the group New Flesh.
• Philippa Keyse: British fashion designer and stylist.
• Christine Keyse: British film and television actress and costume designer.
• Harry Keyse: British comedian and mimist.
• William Keyse: British designer and maker of steam and motoring accessories.
• Elana Keyse: American photographer and multimedia artist.
• Neil Keyse: British advertising creatives and director, known for his irreverent and humorous approaches.
• Margaret Keyse: British painter and sculptor who found success exhibiting internationally.
• Tim Keyse: British TV director and editor.

Other surnames

KeysKeyserKeysersKeysser