Origin & Meaning of the Keefer Surname
What does the last name Keefer mean?
The surname Keefer carries the meaning "One who does." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 9,552 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Keefer ranks as the #3,713 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Keefer come from?
The Keefer surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English 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 Keefer name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Keefer trace back to Old English. 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 | Keefer |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,713 |
| US Count (2010) | 9,552 |
| Per 100K People | 3.24 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Keefer
According to the US Census, the Keefer surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 9,552 Americans with the Keefer last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.7% |
| Black | 1.31% |
| Hispanic | 1.95% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.49% |
| Native American | 0.48% |
| Two or More Races | 1.07% |
Popularity of Keefer Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Keefer surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Keefer surname increased by 161 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Keefer
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