Surname Keep - Meaning and Origin

Keep: What does the surname Keep mean?

The surname 'Keep' is of English origin and it derives from the Old English pre 7th-century word "ceap," which means "barter or bargain." Initially, it was used as an occupational name for a person who was involved in trading or dealing goods. Over time, it evolved into a surname. The name may also have geographical roots as it could have been conferred onto individuals living near a “keep” or a stronghold or fortress, referring to the innermost and strongest part of a medieval castle. Surnames had a wide range of sources from geographical locations, nicknames, occupations, and even physical attributes or resemble. Today, the surname Keep can be found across the United Kingdom, and in many parts of the English-speaking world.

Keep: Where does the name Keep come from?

The surname Keep originated from England. Its earliest known usage can be traced back to the pre 10th century Anglo-Saxon times. The name is believed to have derived from the Old English word "ceap" which means barter or bargain, and was originally given as a nickname to a trader or merchant. Other records suggest it could be locational, deriving from a place called Kype in the county of Lanarkshire, Scotland. Over time, Keep has been recorded in a variety of spellings including Keep, Keeps, Keeper, Keap, Kepe, and others.

In the early 17th century, individuals bearing the Keep surname began migrating to the New World, settling primarily in the United States. As such, though its origins lie in the UK, this surname can now predominantly be found in the United States.

However, please note that surnames can have multiple origins and even within a country, different regions may have adopted a surname independently. Therefore, while this name primarily originates from the UK, there could be entirely unconnected families with the Keep surname elsewhere in the world.

Variations of the surname Keep

The surname Keep can appear in various forms, spellings, and often has several variants based on geographical location and language. Some of these forms include Kepp, Keepe, Kepe, and Kiepe in English. In Germany, the name could be spelled as Kemp or Kempf.

It should be noted that the derivation of the surname Keep could either be from the pre 7th Century personal name, "Cepa", an occupational name for a person who kept watch or was a gamekeeper, or a locational surname from places called Keep, such as Keep Hatch in Berkshire or Keep's Farm in Hertfordshire.

Like many surnames, it has also been subject to various spelling changes over centuries due to linguistic adjustments, regional dialects, and other factors. Historical records indicate that ancestors of the Keep family emigrated to North America and as a result, the surname might have undergone further variations in spelling.

However, the most consistently used spelling and most commonly recognized form is Keep. While researching genealogical records, it's important to consider these varied spellings to ensure a thorough search.

Famous people with the name Keep

• Camille Keep: American model, designer, and television personality
• Jack Keep: Australian soccer player
• Tim Keep: American ice hockey coach
• Candace Keep: Canadian professional basketball player
• Chris Keep: American professional basketball player
• Mary Keep: Artist
• Gary Keep: British classical music conductor
• Samantha Keep: American singer and songwriter
• Luke Keep: Canadian professional soccer player
• Eric Keep: Canadian professional ice hockey player

Other surnames

KeeKeechKeefeKeeferKeeffeKeeganKeehanKeehnerKeelKeelaghanKeelahanKeelanKeelerKeeleyKeelingKeeltyKeelyKeenKeenaKeenahanKeenanKeeneKeenerKeeneyKeenyKeerKeerbachKeericanKeeryKees