Surname Keats - Meaning and Origin
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Keats: What does the surname Keats mean?
The last name Keats is an English surname which has been used since the 14th century. It is derived from an old English word meaning "Cheek", and was first recorded in the counties of Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.
Originally, over time the name Keats evolved into a patronymic form, meaning "son of Keat". This indicates that the name Keats originated from an ancestor of the same name, from whom subsequent generations spread from and took the name as their own.
The Keats family name is recorded mainly in the southwest of England, suggesting that the name's original bearer and descendants were located in that region. Over time, the surname has spread elsewhere in the United Kingdom and subsequently the rest of the world as families migrated.
The name Keats is most commonly associated with the romantic poet John Keats, who is one of the most beloved English poets of all time. As a poet of the Romantic era, Keats is remembered for his vivid expression of love and vivid imagination that invigorated English literature. His last name is still recognized today as a remind of his great contribution.
The name Keats is unique and distinct. The bearer carries a long lineage of prominent individuals, making this name stand out. It carries with it a sense of honor, pride, and accomplishment.
Order DNA origin analysisKeats: Where does the name Keats come from?
The last name Keats is most commonly seen today in the English-speaking world. In the United Kingdom, it is particularly widespread in England, where it continues to be one of the commonest surnames in the country. According to the last UK census, Keats is the 110th most popular surname in England and Wales. In the United States, Keats is also an increasingly popular name, although it is much less common than in England, it is the 2500th most common surname in the US. Furthermore, the name has been known to pop up in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand as well. It is also to be found in other parts of the world, such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands, and is sometimes found in Jewish families in Israel. Although originally derived from British roots, the name of Keats has spread widely and has become an international surname.
Variations of the surname Keats
The surname Keats has a few variants and spellings, as well as other surnames of the same origin. Variants of the name Keats include Keayes, Kates, Katts, and Kattees. The spelling versions of the surname include Keites, Keates, and Keates.
Other surnames which have the same origin as Keats include Kates, Kattees, Keys, Keyes, Kaites, and Kaates. The surnames originate from the Middle English terms of ‘kat’ which refers to a person from Kent, and ‘keyes’, which derives from the Old French term ‘quel’ meaning small river. Thus, any of these surnames could very likely have originated from Kent, England where small rivers surround the area.
Many people with the surname 'Keats' can trace their origin back to a Welsh ancestor called 'Hywel ap Hyddile'. Hywel ap Hyddile was a prominent High Sheriff of Gloucestershire who was awarded royal service by King Henry VII in 1486. He took the name ‘Keats’ from the Welsh term of ‘kas’, which is the Welsh equivalent of the Latin term ‘civis’, meaning citizen.
Since the 15th century, many people with the Keats name have become prominent members of society in the United Kingdom. The poet, John Keats, is one of the most famous people of the surname. Furthermore, the surname Keats has become fairly widespread throughout England over the past few centuries as many people have adopted the name as their own.
Famous people with the name Keats
- John Keats: English romantic poet (1795–1821).
- Fanny Keats: English actress (1793–1841).
- George Keats: Brother of John Keats (1797–1841).
- Madeline Keats: Daughter of John Keats (1820–1887).
- Jack Keats: British-American author (1916–1998).
- Tom Keats: British actor (1943–2016).
- Binky Keats: American actress (1947–2007).
- John Keats Jr.: British-American physician (1823–1867).
- Edwards Keats: British officer of arms (1931–2006).
- George Keats: American sculptor and painter (1902–1992).