Origin & Meaning of the Keefe Surname
What does the last name Keefe mean?
The surname Keefe carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 11,028 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Keefe ranks as the #3,275 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Keefe come from?
The Keefe surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Keefe name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Keefe trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Keefe |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,275 |
| US Count (2010) | 11,028 |
| Per 100K People | 3.74 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Keefe
According to the US Census, the Keefe surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 11,028 Americans with the Keefe last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 95.45% |
| Black | 0.26% |
| Hispanic | 2.01% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.68% |
| Native American | 0.28% |
| Two or More Races | 1.31% |
Popularity of Keefe Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Keefe surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Keefe surname increased by 165 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other European Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Keefe
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