The surname "Keir" is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the personal name "MacIver" which means "son of Ivar". The name Ivar is of Old Norse origin and means "bow warrior" or "yew warrior". Over time, the name MacIver evolved into Keir and became a common surname in Scotland.
The surname Keir is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "ceàrr," meaning left-handed or awkward. It is believed to have been used to describe someone who was clumsy or unconventional in some way. The name likely originated as a nickname for an individual who exhibited these traits, and eventually became a hereditary surname passed down through generations. Over time, variations of the name such as Kerr and Kier have also emerged. Today, individuals with the surname Keir can be found in various parts of the world, particularly in Scotland and other English-speaking countries. The name may also be connected to the occupation or location of the original bearer, with records indicating Keir as a place name in Scotland.
The last name Keir is most commonly found in Scotland and England, with a particularly high concentration in the Glasgow area of Scotland. The name is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "ceàrr,” meaning left-handed. It is believed to have originated in the west coast region of Scotland and spread throughout the country over time. The surname Keir can also be found in smaller numbers in countries such as Canada, Australia, and the United States, where Scottish immigrants have settled. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Keir points to its strong ties to Scotland, particularly in and around Glasgow, where it remains a prominent surname in the region's population.
The last name Keir can be found spelled in various ways, including Keire, Keer, Kier, and Keire. These variations are common among families who have passed down the name through generations or have different branches of the family using different spellings. Other possible variations include Keiree, Keaire, Kiere, and Keare. Due to the nature of surnames evolving over time and being subject to different regional accents and dialects, the spelling of Keir can also be seen as Keyr, Kyre, and Khier. Despite the slight differences in spelling, all variations of the last name Keir have the same origin and meaning, deriving from the Old Irish word "cét", meaning a hundred or a warrior.
One famous person with the last name Keir is Arthur Keir, a Scottish politician and army officer who served as a Member of Parliament and as Secretary of State for War during World War I. Another prominent individual with the last name Keir is Margaret Keir, an American journalist and author known for her work covering international affairs and politics. Additionally, Barbara Keir is a renowned actress and producer in the entertainment industry, with notable roles in both film and television productions. The Keir family has made significant contributions in various fields, ranging from politics to journalism to the arts, leaving a lasting impact on their respective industries.
The surname Keir is of Scottish origin and is considered to be a locational name derived from the barony of Keir in Dumfries, Scotland. The name is believed to come from the Gaelic word "ciar," meaning dark or black. The Keir family has a long history dating back to at least the 14th century, with records showing members of the family holding prominent positions in Scottish society. Over the centuries, the name has spread beyond Scotland to other parts of the British Isles and even to countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. Today, individuals with the surname Keir can be found across the globe, continuing to uphold the traditions and legacy of their Scottish ancestors.
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