Surname Keillor - Meaning and Origin

Keillor: What does the surname Keillor mean?

The surname Keillor originates from Scotland. It is derived from the old Gaelic personal name "Ceallair", which means "one who dwells at the Keillor farmstead". The term ‘Ceallair’ has been thought to indicate a wattle worker or a leather worker (cellarer). Keillor is particularly associated with the region of Angus and Dundee city. As with many surnames, they can often be traced back to a specific place, trade, or descent from a particular person. Therefore, people with the surname Keillor may potentially trace their lineage back to ancestors who lived or worked at Keillor farmstead in Scotland. In the United States, Keillor is famously associated with writer and radio personality Garrison Keillor. However, the meaning of a surname does not always provide information about every individual bearing that name. Please note that the interpretation of surnames can be complex with many relying on centuries-old records and languages no longer in use.

Keillor: Where does the name Keillor come from?

The last name Keillor is of Scottish origin. It is a habitational name from a place in the parish of Meigle in East Perthshire, which is named with the Gaelic 'caol àir', meaning "narrow shieling" (a high land pasture used in the summer). It might also be an anglicized version of several Gaelic surnames; 'MacGill-eain' (son of the servant of St. John) or 'Mac Mheiliodor' (son of the melodious one).

The surname Keillor is quite rare and can be found in various countries worldwide, although its concentration remains highest in Scotland due to its origins. Beyond Scotland, the name can also be found in nations where there have been significant Scottish diaspora such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In the U.S., notable people with the surname Keillor include Garrison Keillor, an acclaimed American author and radio personality. However, despite its presence in these countries, the surname is still considered uncommon.

Variations of the surname Keillor

The surname Keillor is of Scottish origin and it is known for various spellings and variations due to regional dialects, translation errors and simple misspelling. Among the most known variants, we have Keylor, Kailor, Kaylor, Keeler, Keller, Kellor, Keyler, and Kyler. Other derivatives that closely sound like Keillor, but not guaranteed to be of the same ancestry, are Keilar and Keler. However, the main spelling variant remains "Keller."

Studies have found that the surname is linked to the region of Perthshire, Scotland, and it may possibly be related to Gaelic roots. The surnames may also link back to the personal name “Kjell” with Scandinavian origins or “Kyle” of Gaelic origins. Surnames of similar origins in terms of history and geography may include names typical of Scottish or Gaelic heritage, like Keith, Keller, Kelly, Kennedy, Kerr, and Kilpatrick among others.

Often, surnames were derived from the occupation of a person, a nickname, or the location of the family's homestead. Each variant spelling of this surname may have its histories and origins. It's worth tracing family lineage to discover the accurate variant and its history.

Famous people with the name Keillor

• Garrison Keillor: American author, humorist, satirist, radio host, and voice actor best known for being the host of Minnesota Public Radio's variety show A Prairie Home Companion from 1974–2016.
• Allan Keillor: 19th-century Scottish poet and author.
• Alexander Keillor: Scottish-born business magnate who founded and built the fortunes of the Great Western Railway Company.
• Brodie Keillor: Canadian soccer player and coach who played for the Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the 1970s.
• Rob Keillor: Canadian television sportscaster and journalist.
• Roberta Keillor: Canadian country music singer, songwriter, and music entertainer.
• Eric Keillor: Canadian-American music educator, composer, and former professor of Music Theory and Composition at McGill University.
• Mag Opersteny-Keillor: Award-winning architect, urban planner, and artist whose works have been widely exhibited in galleries, museums, and institutions throughout Canada.
• Grant Keillor: Canadian actor known for his role as 'Commissioner' in the CBC Television drama, DaVinci's Inquest.
• Michael Keillor: Canadian actor who is best known for his role as Karl Kreutzer in the television series Mission Genki.

Other surnames

KeillKeiller