Keith
Meaning of Keith
Keith (pronounced KEETH) first took root on the mist-veiled coastlines of Scotland, its sapling-strong sound sprouting from the Gaelic céiteach and Brythonic coed—both evoking a “wood” where quiet oaks train young hearts for battle. Legend paints the name marching south with Clan Keith, banners snapping like tartan wings while Romans on Hadrian’s Wall muttered fortis in arduis, “brave in difficulties,” at the sight of these sturdy northerners. Across the centuries Keith kept that arboreal resilience, whether riffing through rock history with Keith Richards or crooning country ballads with Keith Urban, a reminder that even seasoned timbers can dance. In America his popularity peaked like a Highland crest in the 1960s and has since rolled gently downhill, leaving today’s bearer with the charm of a classic rediscovered—vintage plaid in a sea of trendy tees. Warm, steady, and just a touch roguish, Keith offers parents a name that wears its history like well-oiled leather: durable, adventurous, and quietly heroic.
Pronunciation
British English
- Pronunced as keeth (/kiˌθ/)
American English
- Pronunced as keeth (/kiθ/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Keith
| Keith Richards is an English musician and guitarist for the Rolling Stones, celebrated for his enduring songwriting partnership with Mick Jagger and his iconic countercultural persona. |
| Keith Moon, the legendary drummer for the Who, was celebrated for his unique playing style and self-destructive antics. |
| Keith Urban is an award-winning Australian-American country singer and songwriter, celebrated for his Grammy wins and his Golden Globe-nominated song "For You." |
| Keith Jarrett is an American pianist and composer who began his career with Art Blakey, played with Charles Lloyd and Miles Davis, and has led groups and solo performances since the 1970s, known for his improvisations blending jazz, classical, and other genres. |
| Keith Hernandez is a former MLB first baseman who played for the Cardinals and Mets, shared the 1979 NL MVP award, won two World Series, and now commentates on Mets broadcasts. |
| Howard Keith Henson is an American electrical engineer and writer who founded the L5 Society to promote space colonization, which later merged into the National Space Society. |
| Keith Gordon Green was an American musician and a pioneering figure in Christian contemporary music, known for heartfelt songs like "There Is a Redeemer." |
| Jackie Keith Whitley was an American country music and bluegrass singer-songwriter who, despite releasing only two albums, charted 12 singles on Billboard during his career and seven more after his death. |
| Keith David Williams is an American actor famed for his deep voice and commanding screen presence in over 400 roles across film, stage, television, and interactive media. |
| Keith Ian Carradine is an American actor celebrated for his roles in Nashville, Deadwood, and Dexter. |
| Keith Jardine is an American actor and former MMA fighter known for competing in the UFC and Strikeforce. |
| Keith Flint was the vocalist for The Prodigy, renowned for the UK number-one hits "Firestarter" and "Breathe." |
| Keith Ferris, hailed as the Dean of American Aviation Art, revolutionized US military aircraft painting through his innovative camouflage work. |
| Keith Duffy is an Irish singer, actor, and presenter famous for his role in Boyzone and appearances on popular soap operas. |
