Surname Keis - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'K'
Keis: What does the surname Keis mean?
The last name Keis is of German origin. It is derived from the given name Kays, which is derived from the Old High German element “gays,” meaning “spear.” The surname indicates that the original bearer was a user of the spear as a weapon in battle, or a maker of the weapon.
The family name Keis has a long and distinguished history. During the Middle Ages, it was a common last name among nobility and warriors. It was associated with great influence and power, and the family was respected and revered by many. In addition, there are various legends and stories surrounding those who bore the surname Keis.
In modern times, people with the last name Keis are found all over the world. It is particularly popular in Germany, where the Keis family name has been around since the Middle Ages. However, in other countries, those who bear the surname Keis may not have quite the same level of influence and respect as their ancestors did. Nevertheless, they tend to take great pride in their heritage and boast a sense of achievement, claiming that their name carries a distinguished lineage.
Order DNA origin analysisKeis: Where does the name Keis come from?
The Keis surname is most commonly found in Germany today, with some spread to other countries such as Austria, Czech Republic, Netherlands, and the United States. In Germany, the largest number of residents bearing the Keis surname are located in the northern and eastern regions; specifically in the states of Lower Saxony, Bavaria and Saxony.
The Keis surname may have originated from a variety of different places. It is most likely to be derived from the German given name Konrad, which is composed of the elements “kon” (to know) and “rath” (advice). Thus, the surname could be interpreted as "one who gives wise advice”. It may also be derived from the Old High German personal name Konrad, which itself is derived from the elements “kon” (bold) and “rad” (counsel).
The Keis surname is associated with various German families, with some of them appearing in the records of the region as early as the 13th century. In 1875, a branch of this family established themselves near the city of Dresden. This branch of the family was known for its high social standing and retained several manors throughout the country.
In the United States, the Keis surname is comparatively rare - the US Census Bureau reports only 30 individuals bearing this name. This figure accounts for only 0.001% of the total US population. It is, however, more concentrated in certain states, notably New Jersey, Pennsylvania, California, and New York.
Ultimately, the Keis surname is most commonly found in Germany, though there are also smaller populations in other countries and states.
Variations of the surname Keis
The surname Keis is a German surname generally associated with the nobility. It is derived from the word cis, which is Latin for an official, and can be found in various documents dating back to the 13th century. Variants of the surname include Keys, Kies, Kees, Kys, Kays, Keest, Kyes, Kyles, and Kyers. Additionally, the surname is spelled differently depending on the region and dialect it is found in. Examples of alternate spellings of Keis include Cais, Kais, Ceis, Keiss, and Kese.
Surnames that share the same origin as Keis can be found in other German-speaking areas, as well as in Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, and the United States. Examples of related surnames include Kiser, Koehle, Keyser, Kistner, Kitzmiller, Kaiser, Keesler, Keister, Kyler, Kyser, and Kester. These surnames have all been anglicized and adapted over time.
In conclusion, the surname Keis is a German noble surname, with many variants and alternate spellings, as well as related surnames of the same origin. It is believed to have come from the Latin word cis, meaning an official. This surname can be found all over the world, including Germany, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, and the United States.
Famous people with the name Keis
- Sanne Keister: Dutch Paralympic swimmer
- Will Keis: American singer/songwriter
- Frank Keis: Dutch former footballer
- Herman Keiser: American professional golfer
- Tom Keiser: American former professional football player
- Niels Keiser: Danish professional football player
- Mark Keiser: American football player
- Niclas Keiser: German professional football player
- Alanis Keiser: American producer and executive
- Edit Keiser: Hungarian Paralympic athlete