Surname Key - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'K'
Discovering the Key Heritage: A Personal Journey with iGENEA DNA Test
Embarking on a journey to trace the roots of the surname 'Key' using iGENEA's DNA testing service, the discovery was fascinated filled with rich heritage and connections across the globe. A wonderful exploration of past and present.
V. Key
read moreKey: What does the surname Key mean?
The surname Key has several possible origins and meanings. The most common English interpretation is derived from the Old English word "caeg", meaning a key. This might have been an occupational name for a key maker or a nickname for a keyholder or warden. Other origins of the Key surname could be locational, from places named Kee in Scotland and Keh in Germany. Thus, the surname may refer to individuals hailing from these locations. Also, in some cases, Key could be an anglicized version of the Dutch surname de Key, meaning "the harbor". Hence, the surname Key could indicate a person's job, their trait, or their place of origin.
Order DNA origin analysisKey: Where does the name Key come from?
The surname Key is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English personal name ‘Cai’ or ‘Kai’, which in turn comes from the Old Norse name ‘Kái’. These names were popular among the Vikings and likely arrived in the UK during the era of Viking invasions. "Key" could also be a topographic name for individuals who lived on a quay or wharf, or an occupational name for a key maker or a jailer.
Key as a surname has a presence in multiple countries worldwide, but it is most common in the United States, followed by England. It also has a significant presence in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Scotland, and Wales. Variations of the surname Key exist, such as "Keys", which might affect the distribution. The geographic spread doesn't necessarily indicate the surname's origin but more likely mirrors migration patterns over time.
Variations of the surname Key
The surname Key is thought to be of English and Irish origin. In the English context, it may be derived from the old English term "kaai," which means "wharf," suggesting a topographical origin for those living or working near a wharf.
Variations and alternate spellings of the surname Key can include Keys, Keye, Keyes, and MacKea. In the Irish context, Key may be an anglicized version of the Gaelic Mac Aodha or MacAoidh, which means "son of Aodh," with "Aodh" being a personal name originally meaning "fire."
Surname variations prevalent particularly in Ireland include MacKay, McKay, McKee, and MacKee. Peculiar to Scotland are the variations McKay and MacCay. These Mac or Mc prefixes originally meant "son of" in Gaelic.
It's also worth noting that Key could have locational origin in some cases, coming from any place named with this term such as Key, in Devon.
Overall, alterations in Key’s spelling occurred due mainly to regional accents and illiteracy among those scribing names, and it's not uncommon to see multiple spellings of the same name in historical records.
Famous people with the name Key
- John Key, former Prime Minister of New Zealand.
- Tom Key, actor and playwright.
- Meryl Streep, actress, often credited as Meryl Streep Key.
- Allen Key, professional golfer.
- Johan Key, professional soccer player.
- Gary Key, singer-songwriter.
- Jane Key, sculptor.
- Don Key, drummer for the rock band Mötley Crüe.
- Francis Scott Key, lawyer and lyricist of “The Star-Spangled Banner”.
- Raymond Key, professional basketball player.