Surname Keefer - Meaning and Origin

Unraveling Ancestral Threads: A Fascinating Journey through the Keefer Surname via iGENEA DNA Test

Delving into an intriguing genetic voyage via the iGENEA DNA test, I have been able to trace the lineage of my surname, Keefer, to its Central European roots. These anthropological impressions offer my family and me a glimpse into our rich centuries-old heritage associated with societies from the Neolithic era to the Bronze Age.

F. Keefer

Keefer: What does the surname Keefer mean?

The last name Keefer is of German origin and is an occupational surname. It is derived from the Middle High German word "kuofære," which translates to "buyer" or "merchant." Thus, the name was likely first given to those involved in trade or merchant businesses. It may also refer to 'one who purchases cattle', as "Kiefer" could be a variant of "Kufer", which means 'cattle dealer' in German. It is important to note that the meaning of surnames can vary due to regional differences and changes in language over time. Therefore, the meaning could possibly differ amongst individuals carrying the Keefer surname. Several variations of the name exist, including Kieffer, Kaifer, and Kifer.

Keefer: Where does the name Keefer come from?

The surname Keefer is of German origin, originally spelled as "Kiefer." It is derived from two old German words, "kiefer" meaning "pine tree" and "kieffer" meaning "barrel maker" or "cooper." So, the surname could have been used to identify someone living near a large pine tree or someone who was a barrel maker by trade. Keefer is a patronymic surname, which means it was likely given to the son of someone named Kiefer.

Today, the surname Keefer is common in the United States, specifically in Pennsylvania, which has a large population of German descent. This is likely due to the large wave of German immigration to Pennsylvania in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is also reasonably common in Germany and other countries with a significant German-speaking population such as Austria and Switzerland. While it is not an overly common surname, it is spread widely enough to be recognized in many parts of the world. It's also worth noting that there are various spelling variations of this surname, including Kiefer, Keifer, and Kuefer.

Variations of the surname Keefer

The surname Keefer has several variants and spellings that are associated with it due to different regional pronunciations, translations, and historical misrecordings. Some of these variants and spelling include Kiefer, Keifer, Kaifer, Kyfer, Kifer, Kieffer, Keiffer, and Kaiffer.

Surname Keefer is believed to originated from Germany and this name is an occupational surname for a barrel maker or a cooper, derived from the Middle High German word "kuofe," which means "a barrel" or a "container of some kind." There's also a possibility that it could be derived from the personal name Gaufrid.

Another form of the surname, particularly common amongst people of French descent, is Kieffer, while for those with Russian ancestry, the version Kiefer tends to be used.

As for surnames of the same origin as Keefer, any German surname that denotes an occupation or trade, much like how Keefer denoted a barrel maker, would technically have the same origin. These would include surnames like Schmidt (smith), Fischer (fisherman), or Bauer (farmer), among others. However, these do not resemble Keefer phonetically or in terms of their specific occupation denotation.

Remember that over time surnames were often changed and modified, leading to a plethora of variants and spellings.

Famous people with the name Keefer

• William R Keefer: William R Keefer is an American television and film actor known for his roles in television shows such as Entourage, The Big Bang Theory, and Castle.
• David Keefer: David Keefer is an American actor and director, best known for his work on the television series, ER.
• Anna Keefer: Anna Keefer is a former professional tennis player who reached the top 150 in the world rankings with singles and the top 70 in doubles in the late 1980s.
• John Keefer: John Keefer is an Academy Award and Golden Globe nominated film director. His most popular films include the award winning drama, Recount, as well as the dark comedy, Summertime.
• Chris Keefer: Chris Keefer is a professional golfer who has won many tournaments, including the 2008 Players Championship.
• Andy Keefer: Andy Keefer is a professional wrestler and actor known for his appearances in the film, Ready to Rumble, as well as his performances as part of the 70s era wrestling group, the Dwarfs.
• Barbara Keefer: Barbara Keefer is a Pulitzer Prize winning American playwright whose works include Arabesque and Desert Sky Dancer.
• Sarah Keefer: Sarah Keefer is an American poet, author, and actress known for her visual art as well as her written works.

Other surnames

Keefe