Keith

Meaning & origin

Keith is a Scottish name with deep historical roots, originally a surname from the lands of Keith in East Lothian. The place name derives from a Brythonic word for 'wood' or 'forest', lending the name a natural, earthy connotation. As a given name, Keith gained traction in the 19th century and soared to popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century. It achieved its peak ranking of 27 in 1966, a time when sturdy, one-syllable names like Craig and Glenn were also favored. Today, Keith is much less common, ranking 800th in 2025 with only about 1 in 5,492 boys receiving the name. Despite its decline from the heights of the 1960s, it retains a nostalgic charm and remains more popular in some states, such as South Carolina, Missouri, and Louisiana. The name's trajectory has been steadily falling since 1985, reflecting broader shifts away from mid-century favorites. Its earliest recorded use as a given name in the United States dates to 1888, and it has never completely disappeared, maintaining a presence across over a century of naming history.

Keith originated as a Scottish surname derived from the lands of Keith in East Lothian, Scotland. The place name is believed to come from a Brythonic word meaning 'wood' or 'forest'. It was borne by a prominent Scottish noble family, the Earls of Kintore, and later adopted as a given name in the 19th century. The name gained wider popularity in the English-speaking world during the 20th century, particularly in the United States.