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Last Name Keib

What is the origin of the last name Keib?

The last name "Keib" is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "keibe," which means "tanned leather." It is likely that the original bearer of the surname worked as a tanner or was involved in the leather industry in some capacity. Over time, the surname "Keib" may have been adopted by individuals who were associated with tanning or leatherworking.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Keib

The meaning and origin of the last name Keib

The surname Keib is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "keibel" which means 'rascal' or 'rogue'. It is believed to have been a nickname given to someone who displayed mischievous or cunning behavior. Alternatively, it could have been a derogatory term used to describe someone who was considered deceitful or untrustworthy. The surname may also have originated from the Yiddish word "kaybel" which means 'cable' or 'measurement', suggesting a possible occupational origin for those who worked with ropes or measurements. Overall, the surname Keib likely had negative connotations, reflecting the characteristics or occupations of the individuals who first bore the name. Today, individuals with the surname Keib can be found primarily in Germany and other German-speaking countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Keib

The last name Keib is quite rare and primarily found in Germany. It is most commonly found in the regions of North Rhine-Westphalia and Bavaria. In North Rhine-Westphalia, cities such as Düsseldorf, Cologne, and Dortmund have a higher concentration of individuals with the surname Keib. In Bavaria, cities such as Munich and Nuremberg also have a notable presence of individuals with this last name. Outside of Germany, there are smaller populations of individuals with the last name Keib in countries such as Switzerland, Austria, and the United States. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Keib is limited to primarily German-speaking regions, with a few pockets of individuals with this surname in other countries around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Keib

The last name Keib may also be spelled as Kieb. Other possible variations could include Keibe, Kibe, Kyb, and Kyebe. These variations may arise due to differences in regional accents, transcription errors, and changes in spelling over time. The name Keib is most commonly found in Germany and may have been derived from a personal or occupational origin. It is important to note that the spelling of surnames can vary significantly depending on historical context and individual preferences. As such, individuals with the last name Keib may encounter a variety of spellings in official documents, family records, and genealogical research.

Famous people with the last name Keib

One famous person with the last name Keib is controversial former professional wrestler Stacy Keibler. Known for her long legs and stunning looks, Keibler gained fame in the world of wrestling before transitioning to acting and modeling. She was a fan favorite during her time in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and went on to appear on several reality shows and sitcoms. Keibler also dated high-profile celebrities such as George Clooney. Another notable person with the last name Keib is musician Jeff Keib, a member of the band Rascal Flatts. Keib plays guitar and provides background vocals for the popular country group, which has had numerous hit songs and won multiple awards in the music industry. Both Stacy Keibler and Jeff Keib have made a name for themselves in their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Keib

The last name Keib is of German origin and is believed to be of occupational or locational nature. It may have started as a surname for someone who worked as a cooper, a person who made or repaired barrels. Alternatively, it could have been derived from the Middle High German word "keie," meaning a key or lock, suggesting that the original bearers of the name may have been locksmiths or keymakers. Another possibility is that it is a locational surname, referring to someone who came from a place named Keib. Genealogical research on the last name Keib reveals that it is a relatively rare surname, with most individuals bearing this name being found in Germany and possibly other German-speaking regions. Further research into historical records such as census data, birth, marriage, and death records, as well as immigration records may provide more insight into the origins and distribution of the Keib surname.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 11 April 2025

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