Last Name Kiki

The origin of the surname Kiki is not straightforward as it can have various meanings and origins depending on different cultural backgrounds. In Greek, Kiki is a common female given name derived from Christina or other diminutive forms of names beginning with "K" (such as Katerina, Konstantina, etc.). As a surname, it may be a patronymic or matronymic derived from these feminine names. In some African cultures, Kiki is a name associated with the Yoruba people and is found among the Fon of Benin. In this context, Kiki could have various meanings such as "born on a Thursday" or "born at night." It's also worth noting that in some cases, surnames like Kiki might be an alteration or phonetic transcription of names with different origins. For instance, the Russian surname Kikin may have evolved into Kiki when transcribed or transliterated into other languages. In order to determine the specific origin of a particular family's Kiki surname, genealogical research would be required.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kiki

The meaning and origin of the last name Kiki

The surname Kiki is not commonly associated with a specific ethnic group or region as it is relatively modern and unconventional for a family name. However, it's interesting to note that in some cultures, especially within the African American community, the name Kiki may have originated as a diminutive or pet form of names such as Victoria (from Latin Victoria) or Katherine (from Greek Aikaterine). The name Kiki gained prominence in pop culture due to performers like Kiki De Montparnasse and Kiki Smith. As for its usage as a surname, it might be adopted by individuals who prefer unconventional names, or it could represent a creative reinterpretation of given names within some families.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kiki

The surname Kiki is predominantly found in African countries, particularly in Togo and Benin, where it originates from the Ewe ethnic group. It is also common among the Yoruba people in Nigeria and Ghana, due to migration and cultural exchange. Beyond Africa, the name has been adopted by various communities as a result of globalization and cultural diversity. For instance, in Japan, Kiki is a female given name and a less common surname. However, its occurrence outside Africa is relatively minor compared to its African roots.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kiki

The surname Kiki can have various spellings and variations, stemming from different cultures and languages. Some common spelling alterations include:

* Keiki (Hawaiian)
* Kikis (Greek)
* Kykis (Cypriot Greek)
* Keechy (English diminutive form)
* Keyke (Old English)
* Keki (Arabic, Indian, and Portuguese)
* Keke (African and African American)
* Cikici (Turkish)
* Gypsy (English slang for Romani people, derived from the name Kiki)

These variations may also appear with different diacritical marks or spelling conventions depending on the language of origin.

Famous people with the last name Kiki

Notable individuals with the surname Kiki include:

1. Kiki De Montparnasse (1901-1953), a French artist and model who was a prominent figure in the Parisian art scene during the 1920s and 1930s.

2. Kiki Gyan (born 1948), a Ghanaian musician known for his work with Osibisa, a band that blended traditional African music with Western styles.

3. Kiki Shepard (born 1967), an American actress and singer who gained fame as a member of the R&B group SWV in the 1990s.

4. Kiki Swinson (born 1972), an American author known for her contemporary romance novels.

5. Kiki Layne (born 1991), an American actress who rose to prominence with her role in the film "If Beale Street Could Talk" (2018).

6. Kiki (YouTuber) (born 1992), a British YouTube personality and social media influencer, known for her beauty and fashion content.

Genealogical research on the last name Kiki

The surname Kiki, while not commonly found in traditional Western genealogy databases, is prevalent among certain ethnic groups, particularly in Africa and the Pacific Islands. In West African countries like Nigeria, the name Kikи is an ethnonym for the Ikwerre people of Rivers State. In Polynesian cultures, Kiki can be a personal name or a variant of Kiwi, referring to a New Zealand native bird. The name's origin remains unclear in Western genealogy due to limited historical records and varying cultural contexts. However, further research could be directed towards African and Pacific Island databases, tribal histories, and anthropological studies for more comprehensive information about the Kiki surname and its origins.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "kiki"
• 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 : 31 July 2025

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