Origin & Meaning of the Keyes Surname
What does the last name Keyes mean?
The surname Keyes carries the meaning "Son of Keyes." It is derived from the Spanish language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 18,252 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Keyes ranks as the #1,979 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Keyes come from?
The Keyes surname has its roots in Spanish/Portuguese heritage. Names of Spanish/Portuguese 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 Keyes name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Keyes trace back to Spanish. 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 | Keyes |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Keyes |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,979 |
| US Count (2010) | 18,252 |
| Per 100K People | 6.19 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Keyes
According to the US Census, the Keyes surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 18,252 Americans with the Keyes last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 60.5% |
| Black | 22.06% |
| Hispanic | 13.54% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.9% |
| Native American | 0.78% |
| Two or More Races | 2.21% |
Popularity of Keyes Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Keyes surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Keyes surname increased by 2,232 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Keyes Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Keyes ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Keyes Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Keyes
- ✓ The Keyes coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Where Keyes families live today
- ✓ Notable Keyes bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Keyes
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Keyes.
Other Spanish/Portuguese Surnames
Explore more surnames with Spanish/Portuguese roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Spanish/Portuguese origin as Keyes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Keyes
Top Surnames Starting with K
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter K, ranked by population.
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