Holding steady.
Popularity of Kees since 1985
Babies named Kees per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 10 |
| 1990s | 38 |
| 2000s | 75 |
| 2010s | 13 |
| 2020s | 5 |
Meaning & origin
Kees is a Dutch name that entered U.S. records in 1985, with its peak popularity occurring in 2003. Although it has never cracked the top 1000 (ranking data is absent), its trajectory has been stable, suggesting consistent but niche use. As a diminutive of Cornelis, Kees carries a horn-derived meaning from Latin origins. The name is firmly associated with Dutch heritage, though it has seen occasional use in the United States, likely among families with ties to the Netherlands or who appreciate its crisp, one-syllable sound. No top states have reported significant clustering, indicating broad but sparse distribution. For those seeking a concise, culturally rooted name with a straightforward pronunciation (rhyming with "KAYS"), Kees offers a distinctive option that is easy to say and spell.
Kees is a Dutch diminutive of Cornelis, a name of Latin origin that traces back to the Roman family name Cornelius. The meaning is often associated with the Latin word "cornu" (horn) or the Sabine word for "horn." The name has been common in the Netherlands for centuries, particularly in the form Kees as a familiar short form, often used independently since the 20th century.
Sibling names for Kees
Names that share Kees's style, for a brother or sister.
