Last Name Keil

The surname Keil has German origins. It is derived from a personal name composed of the elements "kai," meaning "war" or "battle," and "-hal," denoting protection or holiness. As such, it was likely originally a nickname for someone who was a warrior or protector, or simply used as a topographic name for someone living near a place named with that compound name. The surname Keil has been found in Germany since the Middle Ages, and it is also common in other parts of Europe due to German immigration.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Keil

The meaning and origin of the last name Keil

The surname Keil is of German origin, derived from various place names or occupational roles. It stems from the Middle High German word "keil," which means wedge or block, possibly referring to an individual who lived near a landmark shaped like a wedge or held a profession related to carpentry or masonry. Another theory suggests that it is a short form of the personal name Keitel, which means small head in Old High German. The surname Keil spread through European migration waves, with significant populations found in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, as well as among Germanic communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Keil

The surname Keil is predominantly found in Germany, where it originates. It is most concentrated in regions such as North Rhine-Westphalia, Baden-Württemberg, and Bavaria. The name also has a significant presence in Austria, particularly in Vienna and the surrounding areas. In addition, there are notable populations of individuals with the last name Keil in Switzerland, Denmark, and the United States, due to historical migration patterns. The distribution of this surname also extends to other parts of Europe and North America, albeit less densely populated.

Variants and spellings of the last name Keil

The surname Keil has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and transliteration over time. Some common spelling variants include Kayl, Keyle, Kiel, Keyle, Kiehl, Kiehle, and Kye. These variations can be found across different regions and countries, particularly Germany, where the name originates. In English-speaking countries, the most commonly used spellings are Keil, Kiel, and Kayl. Additionally, some people may have slight variations in spelling due to factors such as personal preference or regional dialect. The correct spelling of a particular individual's surname can usually be determined by consulting their official documentation, such as birth certificates or passports.

Famous people with the last name Keil

Notable individuals with the surname Keil include:

1. Hans Keilhau (1744-1807), a Norwegian poet and politician, considered one of the most important figures of the Romantic era in Norway.
2. Erich Kehl (1905-1986), a German mathematician known for his work on topology and homotopy theory.
3. Rolf Keil (born 1937), a German athlete who won the gold medal in discus throw at the 1964 Summer Olympics.
4. Peter Keil (born 1942), a German painter known for his colorful, figurative, and naive style of painting.
5. David Keil (born 1963), an American actor who has appeared in several films and television shows, including the role of Officer Sikes in the TV series "Baywatch".
6. Christoph Keil (born 1965), a German journalist and author, best known for his work as a foreign correspondent for ARD television.
7. Jürgen Keil (born 1968), a German actor who has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including the role of Frank Beck in the TV series "Babylon Berlin".

Genealogical research on the last name Keil

The surname Keil originates from Germany, specifically the Rhineland region. It is an occupational name derived from the Middle High German word "kiele," meaning keel or sternpost of a ship. This name was originally given to individuals who worked as boat builders or sailors. The Keil family can be traced back to the 13th century, with the earliest recorded ancestor being Conrad Keil in the Rheinland region around 1250 AD. The Keils later migrated to other parts of Europe and the Americas, such as Switzerland, Austria, Poland, and the United States, due to political instability and economic opportunities. In the United States, the Keil family was predominantly found in Pennsylvania and Ohio, where they settled during the 18th and 19th centuries. The Keils were primarily farmers, business owners, and craftsmen in their new homeland. Today, the surname Keil is widespread across Europe and North America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Keil"
• 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

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