"wood, forest"
Origin: Celtic
Language: Scottish Gaelic
Keith
Pronunciation: [ k-EETH ]
Does Keith flow with your last name?
A Scottish forest name worn by rock royalty
Scottish
English
American
Australian
Classic
Strong
Vintage
Traditional
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"woodland"
Origin: Cumbric
Language: English
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The Story of Keith
Keith originated as a Scottish place name — there's a Keith in East Lothian, Scotland — derived from the Cumbric Celtic word 'coille' meaning 'wood' or 'forest.' It became a powerful Scottish clan surname (Clan Keith, hereditary Great Marischals of Scotland), then transitioned into use as a first name in Scotland and subsequently throughout the English-speaking world. The Keith clan's prominence in Scottish medieval history gave the name aristocratic standing.
Keith peaked in the US in the 1950s and 1960s, part of the short, masculine names dominant in that era. It was carried by rock royalty Keith Richards and Keith Moon, giving it an enduring cool factor even as its usage declined. Today it's considered retro-classic, appearing rarely in birth statistics but familiar to every English speaker.
The Clan Keith served as Great Marischals of Scotland for over 400 years, one of the oldest and most distinguished positions in Scottish nobility. Keith has also become associated with rock and roll through its two most famous bearers — Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones and Keith Moon of The Who, both legendary figures in rock history.
Historical Record
Keith first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 383,134 babies have been named Keith in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Keith is past its peak , currently ranked #758 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Keith Richards and Keith Moon — both legendary rock musicians — have made Keith one of the most rock-and-roll names in history
- The Clan Keith served as hereditary Great Marischals of Scotland for over 300 years, making it one of the most prestigious surnames in Scottish history
Keith in Other Languages
Welsh
Coed (forest equivalent)
English
Keith
Scottish Gaelic
Caoidheach
Popularity Over Time
#758
Current Rank
Peaked 1966
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Keith
K
Keith Urban
Musician
1967
New Zealand-born Australian country music star and guitarist, husband of Nicole Kidman
K
Keith Moon
Musician
1946
British drummer for The Who, considered one of the greatest and most flamboyant rock drummers in history
K
Keith Richards
Musician
1943
British guitarist and co-founder of the Rolling Stones, one of the most influential rock musicians of all time
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #758
- Total SSA Count
- 336
- Cultural Origins
- Scottish English American Australian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Nicknames
Kei
Key
Keie
Keikins
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Keith
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Keith is also used as a girl name, ranked #17206.
View Keith as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Keith
What does the name Keith mean?
"wood, forest" (from Celtic). "woodland" (from Cumbric). Keith originated as a Scottish place name — there's a Keith in East Lothian, Scotland — derived from the Cumbric Celtic word 'coille' meaning 'wood' or 'forest.' It became a powerful Scottish clan surname (Clan Keith, hereditary Great Marischals of Scotland), then transitioned into use as a first name in Scotland and subsequently throughout the English-speaking world. The Keith clan's prominence in Scottish medieval history gave the name aristocratic standing.
What is the origin of the name Keith?
Keith has Celtic, Cumbric, Scottish, English, American, and Australian origins. In Celtic, it means "wood, forest". In Cumbric, it means "woodland".
Is Keith a boy or girl name?
Keith is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #758. As a girl name, it is ranked #17206. Keith is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Keith?
Keith is pronounced k-EETH.
How popular is the name Keith?
Keith is currently ranked #758 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Keith?
Common nicknames for Keith include Kei, Key, Keie, and Keikins.
What are good middle names for Keith?
Popular middle name pairings include Keith Allen, Keith Wayne, Keith Michael, Keith Alan, Keith Douglas, Keith Gordon, and Keith Robert.
What are good sibling names for Keith?
Names that pair well with Keith as siblings include Brian, Gary, Linda, Patricia, Dennis, Carol, and Donna.
How many syllables does Keith have?
Keith has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Keith a common or rare name?
Keith is moderately common, ranked #758 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Keith
Keith is a boy name with Scottish, English, American, and Australian origins . The name means "wood, forest" in Celtic .
Is Keith a boy or girl name? Keith is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #758 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #17,206. Keith is more commonly used as a boy name.
Keith is currently ranked #758 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Keith has 1 syllable and is pronounced k-EETH, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Keith include Kei, Key, Keie, and Keikins. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis