Last Name Keriche

The surname Keriche is of Kenyan origin and is primarily found among the Kikuyu people, one of the largest ethnic groups in Kenya. The name is believed to be derived from the Kikuyu language, with "Kericho" being a place name meaning "place of the red earth." It's possible that individuals bearing this surname originally come from or have connections to the Kericho region in Kenya.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Keriche

The meaning and origin of the last name Keriche

The surname Keriche is primarily of Kenyan origin, specifically from the Kikuyu ethnic group. It is derived from the Kikuyu language and translates to "the one who has a big pot". This was often given to a person known for owning or using a large pot in their household, symbolizing hospitality, as large pots were used for cooking and serving guests in traditional African societies. The name may also have been associated with individuals whose physical features resembled the shape of a large pot. Over time, the spelling has undergone changes due to various factors such as colonial influence or personal preference, resulting in variations like Kerich, Kerichi, etc. Today, the Keriche surname is predominantly found among the Kikuyu people, but it can also be encountered among Kenyans of other ethnicities due to intermarriage and migration.

Geographical distribution of the last name Keriche

The surname Keriche is predominantly found in Kenya, specifically in the central highlands region, particularly Nyeri County and its surrounding areas such as Murang'a and Kirinyaga. These regions are ethnically affiliated with the Kikuyu people, who constitute a significant portion of Kenya's population. Keriche is also found among the diaspora, primarily in cities with large Kenyan populations like London, Toronto, and New York. The name's geographical distribution is therefore predominantly concentrated in Kenya, but its presence can be traced in various parts of the world where Kenyans have migrated.

Variants and spellings of the last name Keriche

The surname Keriche exhibits multiple variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and regional dialects. Some common variants include Kierich, Keirich, Kirich, and Carey (which might have originated from an anglicized form). Additionally, there may be slight variations based on the specific language or culture of the region where it is used, such as Kerihé in French or Kerikè in Swahili. These variations highlight the diversity and rich history associated with the Keriche name, which likely has roots in Kenya, given its prevalence among that nation's population. It is essential to note that these variations do not necessarily indicate a connection between individuals bearing different forms of the surname.

Famous people with the last name Keriche

Notable individuals sharing the surname Kerich include:

1. Margaret Wanjiru Kerich, a Kenyan lawyer and politician who served as the Speaker of the National Assembly of Kenya from 2013 to 2017. She was also the first woman to be appointed as the Speaker in Kenya's history.

2. Moses Kiptanui Kerich, a retired Kenyan long-distance runner who specialized in the steeplechase. He is an Olympic gold medalist and former world record holder.

3. David Koech Kerich, a Kenyan-born American diplomat who served as the United States Ambassador to Somalia from 2017 to 2021.

4. Julius Kerich, a Kenyan politician who has served in various government positions including as the Minister for East African Cooperation and Minister for Provincial Administration and Internal Security.

5. Wilson Kipkemei Cheruiyot Kerich, a Kenyan-born Canadian long-distance runner who specialized in the marathon. He won the Boston Marathon in 2006.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, spanning law, politics, diplomacy, and sports.

Genealogical research on the last name Keriche

The Keriche surname is predominantly found among the Kipsigis people of Kenya, specifically in the Nandi county. It is believed to have originated from the Nandi language and translates to "the one who comes from a place with many hills," reflecting the hilly terrain of the region. Historically, the Kipsigis were known for their agricultural prowess and warrior spirit. The Keriche clan was reportedly among the most prominent in pre-colonial times. Genealogical records dating back to the late 19th century indicate that the Keriches migrated from northern Uganda following conflicts with other tribes, eventually settling in the Nandi region. Over time, the Keriche family has spread across Kenya and beyond due to various factors such as education, employment opportunities, and marriages, although a significant number of bearers of this surname can still be found in Nandi County.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "keriche"
• 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 : 15 June 2025

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