Surname Kei - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'K'
Kei: What does the surname Kei mean?
The last name Kei is a common Japanese surname originating in China and is widely used across many countries today. The name originates from the ancient Chinese character Kē which generally translates to “blessing” or “well-being” according to some sources. It is also thought that the name could have derived from the Chinese characters for “ancient, antique, and elder” due to its age and origin.
The name Kei is often associated with people who are thought to possess qualities of intelligence, creativity, courage, and ambition. Historically, people with the last name of Kei were thought to be wise and thoughtful. This idea has been perpetuated and is still believed today by many Japanese people. It is also widely assumed that people with the last name Kei are driven and successful.
The widespread use of the name Kei has lead to its many variations across countries and cultures. In parts of China, the name is also written as Ke, and in Korean, many families use the name Kim. In Japanese, the name is transliterated as Kii or Kē.
The name Kei is significant due to its meaning and connotations. It is a reminder of the strength, wisdom, and ambition of the family that carries it, as well as the hard work and dedication that created it centuries ago.
Order DNA origin analysisKei: Where does the name Kei come from?
The last name Kei is most common in Japan today. It is one of the most common Japanese surnames, along with Yamada, Saito, Takahashi, and Watanabe. According to population statistics from Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs, the name Kei was the 162nd most common surname in 2020.
The name’s origins are difficult to trace, however due to its popularity, there are multiple theories behind it. One theory suggests that the surname originated as a nickname for long-lived people. Another theory suggests that there may have been Japanese Buddhist priests with the surname, as “Kei” may have been taken from the word “keizan” which can mean "Brilliant Meditation."
The last name Kei is also common in other parts of Asia, such as Korea, China, and Hong Kong. In China, the surname is spelled as “Gai,” while in Korea it is spelled “Gye.” In Hong Kong, the last name is spelled “Kay,” and is mostly represented by immigrants from other Asian countries.
Interestingly, outside of Asia, it is also popular in the Caribbean. It is used in Cuba, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Dominican Republic, as an Anglicized version of the Spanish surname “Quiñones” which uses the same root as the Japanese surname.
Variations of the surname Kei
The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Kei can vary depending on the individual's location, language, and culture, but some of the more commonly seen versions include:
Kai – This is the most common variant typically seen in East Asia, Scandinavia, and many other European countries. It is primarily used in countries such as Japan, China, and Korea.
Kee – This version is most common in the United States and Scotland. It is also seen in other countries such as Ireland and India.
Ky – Ky is the second most common version seen in the United States and Scotland and is typically seen more often than the variation Kee.
Kyi – This version is seen primarily in East Asian countries such as Taiwan and Vietnam.
Kow – This version is most common in China.
Keigh – This is the most commonly seen spelling for the surname throughout the United Kingdom.
Keay – This version is the most commonly seen in Ireland.
Kea – This is the most common spelling seen in the United States and Scotland.
Keoh – This version is seen primarily in East Asian countries such as China, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
Keech – This is the most common spelling for the surname in South Africa.
Keh – This version is seen primarily in East Asia and South Asia.
Kei – This is the base form of the surname, and is seen in numerous languages and cultures.
The variations and spellings of the surname Kei can differ vastly depending on the language and culture of the individuals involved, but these are some of the more commonly seen variations and spellings of this widely used and interesting surname.
Famous people with the name Kei
- Steve Kei: a football player from the United States
- Genoa Keine: a popular Japanese singer
- Sayaka Kei: a former actress and model from Japan
- Chōichi Kei: a professional rugby player from Japan
- Yae Kei: a professional video game player from Japan
- Thomas Kei: a prolific designer from the United States
- Hitomi Kei: a model and Instagram celebrity from Japan
- Hiroshi Kei: a prominent business executive in Japan
- Nick Kei Takehiko: an accomplished martial artist and instructor
- Tomoko Kei: a professional illustrator from Japan