Last Name Keipo

The surname Keipo has roots in the Hawaiian language and culture. It is believed to be a variant of the traditional Hawaiian name "Kea'opuhia," which translates to "cool breeze from over the hill." This surname may have originated from early Hawaiian settlers or descendants who adopted their native names as surnames when Western naming conventions were introduced. However, without specific historical records or context, it is challenging to provide a definitive origin for this particular surname.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Keipo

The meaning and origin of the last name Keipo

The surname Keipo is primarily associated with Hawaii and has roots in the Native Hawaiian culture. The name is derived from the Hawaiian language, where it may be an adaptation or shortened form of various traditional Hawaiian names that have different meanings. For instance, one possible origin could be from Kai-po, which means "sea bottom" or "reef." Another possibility is Ke-e-poho, meaning "the shining one" or "bright face." The exact origins may vary due to the unique phonetic and spelling variations that occur when translating Hawaiian names into English. Over time, as more people of Hawaiian descent moved away from their ancestral homeland, the surname Keipo became more widespread and diversified.

Geographical distribution of the last name Keipo

The surname Keipo is predominantly found in Polynesia, particularly among the Maori population of New Zealand. It is also present to some extent in other Pacific Islands such as Tonga and Samoa, indicating its Polynesian roots. The name has a significant presence in the North Island of New Zealand, with Auckland and the Bay of Plenty being regions where it is most common. In recent times, due to migration and diaspora, Keipo can also be found among Maori communities residing outside of Polynesia, such as in Australia and other Western countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Keipo

The surname Keipo has several variations and spellings, reflecting differences in transcription, pronunciation, and regional spelling conventions over time. Some common variants include Kiepo, Keypo, Kaeppo, Kaypo, and Kaipo. These variations may stem from minor errors during migration records, differing dialects, or attempts to phonetically represent the name in written form. Additionally, it's worth noting that some families may have adopted slight alterations as a result of assimilation, cultural changes, or personal preference over the years. Despite these variations, all these spellings essentially trace back to the original name Keipo.

Famous people with the last name Keipo

Keipo is an uncommon surname, and as such, there are limited well-known individuals bearing this last name. However, one notable figure is James Keipo Maile, a Hawaiian musician, composer, and hula dancer who was born in 1946. He is renowned for his contributions to traditional Hawaiian music and has been inducted into the Hawaii Music Hall of Fame. Another individual of note is Dr. Robert Kekaula Keipo, a professor emeritus at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), who specializes in the study of Hawaiian language and culture. Additionally, there is also Keala Kehau Keipo, a professional surfer from Hawaii, known for her competitive successes in various surfing events. Despite their distinct fields of expertise, all three individuals share a strong connection to their Hawaiian heritage.

Genealogical research on the last name Keipo

The Keipo surname is primarily found in Hawaii, with roots traceable to the Hawaiian Kingdom era. One notable ancestor of the Keipo lineage is John Keawe'imatuna Kekūanoa III (died 1824), who was a high-ranking chief and warrior during the Kamehameha Dynasty. Through genealogical records, it is believed that the surname Keipo originated from the union of Keawe'imatuna and his wife, Keohokalole. The Keipo lineage continued to thrive in Hawaii, with many members serving in various roles within the Hawaiian government, military, and royal court during the monarchy period. The name has since been adopted by descendants living both on the islands and around the world.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "keipo"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

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