Last Name Keech

Learn more about the origin of the last name Keech

The meaning and origin of the last name Keech

The surname Keech is primarily of English origin, deriving from several possible sources. One theory suggests that it is a locative name from Middle English 'keke' or Old Norse 'kjokr,' both meaning swamp or marsh. It could also be a nickname for a person thought to resemble a bird associated with water, such as a heron (Old English 'cycge'). Another potential origin is the Norman-French 'chier', meaning proud or haughty. The name may have been given to someone who was arrogant or to someone who lived near a place named after these terms. Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation have resulted in numerous forms of the surname Keech, including Keach, Keache, Keeche, Keeches, and others, reflecting its widespread use across England.

Geographical distribution of the last name Keech

The surname Keech is predominantly found in regions that were once under British influence, particularly England and Ireland. In England, it's most concentrated in counties such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Cheshire. The name also has a significant presence in parts of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Additionally, the Keech family name is found in North America due to emigration from the British Isles during colonial times, with a notable concentration in the United States along the eastern seaboard, particularly in states like Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. In Canada, it's most common in Ontario and Quebec. The surname Keech is also found in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, likely due to further emigration from the British Isles during later periods of colonial expansion.

Variants and spellings of the last name Keech

The surname Keech has several variations and spellings, primarily due to transcription errors over time. Some common versions include Keach, Keyes, Keys, Kitch, and Kitching. These variations may originate from regional dialects or transposition errors during migration records. Other less frequent variants of the name Keech can also be found as Keyse, Kease, Kiche, Kitcha, and Kicza, but their frequency is significantly lower compared to the aforementioned versions. It's essential to note that when researching genealogy, it's crucial to consider these variations in order to account for any discrepancies found in historical records.

Famous people with the last name Keech

The Keech surname has been associated with several notable individuals across various fields. In entertainment, Mae Murray Keech, born Mildred Ruth Rinehart, gained fame as a spiritualist and founder of the Urantia Foundation, an organization dedicated to the dissemination of the Urantia Book. In sports, Larry Keech is a retired professional baseball player who played for teams including the Philadelphia Phillies and San Francisco Giants between 1957 and 1964. In literature, Dinitia Smith Keech is an American journalist and author who has written extensively on fashion and culture, as well as being a contributor to The New York Times. Lastly, in science fiction, Charles Vane Wood Jr., also known as James Philip Keech, authored numerous science fiction works under the pen name John Varley, including the Titan series and the Gaea Trilogy.

Genealogical research on the last name Keech

The surname Keech originates from England and is believed to have derived from various locations named "Keach" or "Ketch." These places are primarily found in Dorset, Somerset, and Devon counties. The name is thought to be topographical, indicating a dweller by a piece of ground enclosed by a hedge or fence, from Old English 'cēo' meaning hedge or enclosure and 'hāw' meaning hollow or nook.

The Keech family can be traced back to the 13th century in England, with early recorded instances such as Walter de Ketch appearing in documents from the reign of King Henry III (1216-1272). Throughout history, the Keech family has been prominent in various professions and industries, including agriculture, law, and military service. Notable figures bearing the surname include Edward Keech, a 19th-century American painter, and James Keech, an early settler of New England. Today, the Keech family is found worldwide, with significant populations in England, United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Keech"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 23 July 2025