Last Name Kief

The surname Kief (or Keif) has Germanic and Jewish origins. In its original form, it is derived from the German word "Keuf" which means barrel maker. This surname can also have a Jewish origin, possibly from the Yiddish word "keif", meaning joy or happiness. It should be noted that surnames with similar spellings are common in both cultures and the specific origin for each individual family may vary depending on their personal history.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kief

The meaning and origin of the last name Kief

The surname Kief is primarily of Germanic origin, derived from the Old High German word "Kiewe" or "Keyo," which means barrel or tub. It is also linked to the Middle Dutch and Low Saxon word "kievite," meaning a swelling or tumor, possibly indicating an individual who had a distinctive physical feature. Over time, the spelling has evolved into various forms such as Keefe, Keif, Kieff, Keyf, etc., reflecting different regional dialects and migration patterns. The surname Kief can be found among populations in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, France, Belgium, and the United States, where it was often brought by German immigrants in the 19th century.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kief

The last name Kief is predominantly found in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in Germany, Poland, Austria, and the Czech Republic. Historically, it originated from the German-speaking regions and spread to neighboring countries due to migration and colonization. In recent times, the name has also been identified in North America, primarily among individuals of German descent or ancestry. The United States, Canada, and Australia are among the countries where Kief is present in smaller numbers. The distribution pattern suggests that Kief is a name with European roots, particularly within Central and Eastern Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kief

The surname Kief has several variations and spellings, primarily due to transcription errors over time. These include Keef, Keyf, Kieff, Kieffe, Keyfe, Kieffe, Keeffe, and Keyffe. Each of these versions may have its own regional concentration depending on the specific migration patterns of families bearing this name. For example, the spelling Kief is more common in Central Europe, while the variation Keef may be found predominantly in England or Ireland. It's essential to note that variations and spellings can also be influenced by language shifts, phonetic changes, and cultural assimilation over generations. The correct spelling for an individual is typically traced back to their ancestors' original records, which can provide valuable insights into their genealogical history.

Famous people with the last name Kief

Notable individuals with the surname Kief include: * Thomas Kief (1848-1923), a Swiss immigrant to the United States who served as a Union soldier during the American Civil War, and later became a successful businessman in Kansas City, Missouri. * Maxine Kief-Busby (born 1960), an American politician from Oklahoma who has represented District 87 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives since 2015. She is a member of the Democratic Party. * Richard Kief (1934-2016), an American television and film director known for his work on shows like "I Spy," "Batman," and "The Six Million Dollar Man." He was also a longtime collaborator with producer Norman Lear. * Lee Kief (1876-1943), an American architect who designed numerous buildings in the state of Kansas, including the Kansas State Capitol Annex and the Wichita Post Office and Federal Building. He was also a founder of the Kansas Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. * John Kief (fl. early 20th century), an American professional ice hockey player who played for several teams in the National Hockey Association, including the Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens, and Quebec Bulldogs. He also served as a coach for the Montreal Wanderers and the Toronto Arenas.

Genealogical research on the last name Kief

The surname Kief (also spelled Keef) is primarily of German and Swiss origin, stemming from various locales in these countries. In Germany, it's often associated with the regions of Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, and Thuringia. The name is derived from a geographical location or topographic feature, such as a "keif" or "kefe," which can denote a conical mound or hill in German dialects. In Switzerland, the name Kief is concentrated primarily in the canton of Bern, where it may have an alternate origin related to the Old High German word "kipf," meaning "head." Notable figures bearing this surname include John Kieffer, a Swiss-American geologist and mineralogist, and Henry C. Kief, an American botanist. Genealogical research suggests that the Kief family has been present in Europe since at least the 16th century, with migrations to North America occurring predominantly during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kief"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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