Surname Keiper - Meaning and Origin
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Keiper: What does the surname Keiper mean?
The surname Keiper is of German origin. It was initially derived from the Middle High German term 'küper' or 'kuiper' which translates to 'cooper'. In medieval times, a cooper was a skilled craftsman who made wooden casks, barrels, buckets, tubs and alike items, an important occupation in those times. Therefore, Keiper could have been an occupational surname given to individuals or families who practiced this craft. However, surnames can also take on regional or localized meanings over time, so the exact significance may vary among different families bearing this name. Like most surnames, Keiper can also be related to geographic location, status in society, or a unique characteristic of the family. It is worth noting that the spelling of surnames often changed over centuries due to various factors including immigration and phonetic shifts in language.
Order DNA origin analysisKeiper: Where does the name Keiper come from?
The last name Keiper predominantly originates from Germany. It is derived from the Middle High German term "keifen," which means 'to quarrel' or 'to brawl'. The name usually denoted a combative or argumentative person. Over time, Keiper predominantly established itself in regions across Germany and is significantly prevalent among German-speaking populations.
Today, the surname maintains its highest concentration in Germany, particularly in the regions of North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria, and Baden-Württemberg. However, the diaspora of German immigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries has resulted in some dispersion of the surname Keiper around the globe. As such, it can also be found in countries such as the United States, Canada, and in pockets throughout Europe, primarily within communities of German descent. Despite this global distribution, Keiper remains relatively uncommon as a last name on a worldwide scale.
Variations of the surname Keiper
The surname Keiper may have various spellings and variants due to regional differences, transcription errors and phonetic spelling. Some other versions of this surname can include Kiper, Keiper, Keiper, Koeper, Keippert, Keipert, Keuppers, and Köper. Some surnames that could potentially share the same origin are Kaiper, Kueper, and Kuiper.
The surname is said to be primarily of German origin, meaning "basketmaker", derived from the word "küpe", indicating that the original bearers may have been involved in this craft.
In Pennsylvania, United States, a large number of German immigrants settled during the 18th and 19th centuries, which could explain the frequency of the surname in this region. Also, similar surnames such as Keuppert, Keppert or Keup could be found among German-speaking populations. However, the confirming connection to the surname Keiper needs further research like consulting historical records or conducting a genealogical study.
Please note that the exact variants and origin can vary a lot and might not always follow these patterns. Also, the precise historical migration patterns and linguistic changes over the centuries can be complex and would need in-depth research to be fully understood.
Famous people with the name Keiper
- Kristen Keiper: experienced actress and voice-over artist currently living in New York City.
- George Keiper: art collector, investor and philanthropist who has generously supported the arts community in both Pennsylvania and the wider US.
- Clifford J. Keiper: Emmy Award-winning Producer/Director/Writer, former Chairman of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
- Peter Keiper: aerospace engineer and professor at the University of Wyoming.
- Kurt Keiper: former NFL defensive back in the late 70s & 80s.
- William B. Keiper: noted military leader and veteran of the Vietnam War, served two terms as the California National Guard Adjutant General.
- David Keiper: entrepreneur and founder of several businesses in Pennsylvania.
- Joe Keiper: professional bull riding champion, competed in the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) World Tour.
- June Keiper: quilter and fiber artist, specializing in contemporary art quilts and garments.
- Adam Keiper: journalist and author, editor of The New Atlantis: A Journal of Technology and Society.