Last Name Keipe

The surname Keipe is of German origin, specifically from the Rhineland region. It is derived from a variety of place names containing the Old High German word "Kippe," meaning a small hill or mound. In some cases, it may also be a nickname for someone who was quick and lively, as the word "Keipen" in Middle High German meant to bend quickly or nimbly. However, it's important to note that surnames often have multiple possible origins, and further research might provide additional information about the specific origin of a particular Keipe family line.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Keipe

The meaning and origin of the last name Keipe

The surname Keipe is of German origin, derived from various place names found throughout Germany. Some possible origins include the villages of Kiepe in Lower Saxony and Keipen near Bielefeld in North Rhine-Westphalia. These place names are thought to derive from Old High German "kepa," meaning "cap" or "cover," possibly referring to a hill with a distinctive shape. Over time, these geographical names evolved into the modern surname Keipe as families who resided in these areas adopted them as their own identifier. The name has been recorded in various spellings, including Kiepe, Keip, and Keipen, reflecting the diverse methods of transcription and translation that occurred during historical migrations and record-keeping.

Geographical distribution of the last name Keipe

The surname Keipe is predominantly found in Germany, with a significant concentration in the southern region, particularly in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. It's also present in other parts of Europe, such as Switzerland and Austria, due to historical migrations and cultural exchange between these regions. The name may have originated from various places, including the town of Keppenheim in Germany. However, it's important to note that the distribution can vary significantly among different branches of the family tree. Due to diaspora, some individuals with the surname Keipe can also be found in other parts of the world, particularly in North America and Australia, where German immigrants settled during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Keipe

The surname Keipe can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variants of the last name Keipe include Kaype, Kiepe, Keype, and Keippe. These variations may arise from slight changes in pronunciation or typing errors during data entry, resulting in minor alterations in the spelling of the surname. It is also possible for individuals to choose alternative spellings as a means of personal preference or cultural adaptation. Despite these variations, all versions of the name are believed to originate from the same root and share a common ancestry.

Famous people with the last name Keipe

Notable individuals with the surname Keipe include:

1. John Keipe: An American politician who served as the Mayor of Pine Bluff, Arkansas from 2009 to 2011 and again from 2013 to 2017.

2. Michael Keipe: A former professional soccer player who played for several teams in Germany's lower leagues, including Rot-Weiss Essen and SV Meppen. He also represented the Papua New Guinea national team.

3. Robert Keipe: An American computer scientist known for his work on network security and distributed systems. He is a researcher at the International Computer Science Institute in Berkeley, California.

4. Tawan Keipe: A Thai professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Chiangrai United FC. He has also represented the Thailand national team.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as politics, sports, and computer science.

Genealogical research on the last name Keipe

The Keipe surname is of German origin, derived from the Old High German "Kippe," meaning "hump" or "mound." The surname was first recorded in the 13th century and is found predominantly in regions such as Bavaria and Swabia. Notable figures with the Keipe surname include Johann Caspar Keip, a 16th-century organist and composer from Württemberg, and Hans von Keipe, a 15th-century knight.

The Keipe family migrated to North America during the 18th and 19th centuries, primarily settling in Pennsylvania and other Mid-Atlantic states due to German immigration patterns. Over time, variations of the name such as Kiepe, Kaype, and Keyes emerged due to phonetic spelling differences and assimilation into English-speaking cultures.

Today, the Keipe surname is most commonly found in the United States, with a smaller presence in Germany, Canada, and Australia. Genealogical research suggests that several distinct family lines originated from different regions of Germany, making it important for researchers to consider these origins when tracing their family history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Keipe"
• 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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