Last Name Keef

The surname Keef or Keeffe is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from various places in England named with the Old English elements "ceap" meaning market or market town and "hof" or "heof" meaning high or elevated, so it originally referred to someone who lived near a market town on higher ground. The name has several spelling variations including Keef, Keeffe, Kiff, Kieff, and Key, among others. It is primarily found in Ireland, particularly County Wexford, where many English settlers arrived during the 17th century.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Keef

The meaning and origin of the last name Keef

The surname Keef or Keeffe is an Anglo-Saxon name derived from the Old English "cēof" or "ceof," which means "chieftain" or "chief." This surname might have originally been given to someone who was a leader or a high-ranking member of a community, or it could have been used as a nickname for someone who acted like a chief.

Over time, various spellings and pronunciations of the name emerged due to linguistic changes and regional variations in England. Some common variants include Keeffe, Keefe, Keech, and Kiff, among others. The surname Keef is less common compared to its variants but still maintains a presence within Anglo-Saxon and Irish families.

Geographical distribution of the last name Keef

The surname Keef is primarily distributed across several regions within the United Kingdom and Ireland, with significant concentrations in England and Northern Ireland. In England, it is most prevalent in counties such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Cheshire. In Northern Ireland, it is particularly common in Antrim and Down. The surname Keef can also be found to a lesser extent in other English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, likely due to migration from the UK over the centuries. It is important to note that the distribution of names can be influenced by various factors, including historical events, population movements, and cultural shifts.

Variants and spellings of the last name Keef

The surname Keef has various spelling variations, which may arise due to differences in transcription or transliteration over time and across regions. Some of these variants include Keeffe, Keiff, Keefes, Keiffs, and Keafs. These variations could be the result of misspellings, regional dialects, or even changes in surname pronunciation over generations. It's essential to note that all these versions share a common origin, ultimately stemming from the original last name.

Famous people with the last name Keef

Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood are two well-known individuals with the surname "Keef." Both are musicians and members of The Rolling Stones, one of the most influential rock bands in history. Keith Richards, known as "The Riff Master," is the band's lead guitarist, co-founder, and primary songwriter along with Mick Jagger. Born in 1943, he is often cited as one of the greatest guitarists in the history of rock music. Ronnie Wood, who joined The Rolling Stones in 1975, is a rhythm guitarist and shares songwriting credits with Richards and Jagger. He was previously a member of The Faces and contributed to many of their iconic hits. Both Richards and Wood have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame multiple times, demonstrating their significant impact on rock music.

Genealogical research on the last name Keef

The surname Keef is believed to have originated from the Middle English term "kef," meaning barrel, and later became associated with occupations related to barrel-making or brewing. The earliest known records of the Keef family date back to the 13th century in England, particularly in the counties of Yorkshire, Derbyshire, and Lincolnshire. One notable figure with this surname is the English musician Keith Richards, a founding member of the Rolling Stones, born in Dartford, Kent. The Keef family migrated to North America in the 17th century, with prominent settlements in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ontario, Canada. The descendants of these early settlers have continued to populate various parts of the United States and Canada over the centuries, with notable concentrations in Texas, Missouri, and Ontario.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

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

About the author :

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 : 27 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends