Keith

Fact-checked by Jaime Babiera

1. Keith name meaning and origin

The name Keith is of Scottish origin,meaning 'forest' or 'woodland.' It was originally used as a surname to describe people who lived near or worked in wooded areas, before eventually transitioning into use as a given name. The name was derived from a place named in East Lothian, Scotland, called Keith Marischal.

Keith gained popularity as a first name primarily in the 19th century, especially in English-speaking countries. The name carries connotations of strength, reliability, and a connection to nature that has helped maintain its appeal across generations. While its usage has fluctuated over time, Keith remains a classic masculine name with a rich historical background that connects modern bearers to Scottish clan history.

Keith

References:

Keith Name Meaning and Keith Family History at FamilySearch

2. Keith name popularity

Girl

Boy

in 2023

from 2022

Popularity of Keith

United States

United Kingdom

Keith is a predominantly masculine name with Anglo-Saxon origins, derived from a Scottish surname meaning "wood" or "forest." In the United States, Keith has been used for both males and females, though it remains significantly more common for boys. The name also maintains a presence in the United Kingdom, reflecting its British heritage.

Keith enjoyed peak popularity in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s but has gradually declined since then. Notable bearers include musicians Keith Richards and Keith Urban, as well as actor Keith David. Today, the name conveys a classic, strong quality while avoiding trendiness, making it a timeless choice that has maintained its distinct identity across generations.

3. Keith in Popular Culture: Characters in Fiction

The name Keith has been used in various forms of fiction, both in classic literature and present media. A list of some prominent characters bearing the name in fictional works is listed below.

Literature:

Keith Partridge - One of the key characters in the 1970s musical sit-com The Partridge Family. The eldest brother and guitarist in the family band was played by David Cassidy.

Keith Mars - Father of the titular character and a private investigator in the TV series Veronica Mars.

Keith - One of the lead characters of the animated series Voltron: Legendary Defender. He is the Red Lion Paladin and a hot-tempered, competent pilot.
Keith - He is a character from the movie “IF”. Keith is an invisible imaginary friend played by Brad Pitt.

Video Games:

Keith Valentine - He has an immortal life. He is played by a vampire party member and a character in a role-playing video game named “Shadow Hearts”.

4. Celebrities with the Name Keith

Aside from fiction, the name Keith has also been carried by real-life figures in entertainment, sports, and music. From actors to athletes, these celebrities have helped keep the name visible in popular culture.

Historical Figures:

Keith Moon

He is the legendary drummer for the rock band “The Who”, known for his energetic performances and destructive behavior on and off stage.

Keith Haring

American social activist and artist whose pop art and graffiti-like art emerged from the street culture of New York City during the 1980s.

Contemporary Celebrities:

Keith Richards

Founding member and English guitarist of the Rolling Stones, featured in this group with his trademark guitar playing and songwriting collaborator, Mick Jagger.

Keith Urban

Australian country music singer, songwriter, and guitarist who has released several platinum albums and won a Grammy Award.

Keith Bryan Bishop - He is an American former professional football player and a 10-season guard with the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL).

Keith David

American voice actor and actor who has appeared in such films as The Thing and Platoon, and has done unique voice work in animations and video games.

Keith Hernandez

American former professional baseball player, best known as a first baseman for the New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals; later became a baseball commentator.

Keith Olbermann

American sports and political commentator, known for his work on ESPN and MSNBC, and as a podcast host.

Keith Jarrett

American jazz and classical pianist and composer who made a name for improvisation and focusing on solo concerts.

Keith Sweat

R&B and soul singer-songwriter of the United States who is possibly the most famous pioneer of the New Jack Swing sound in the late 1980s.

Keith Carradine

American actor and singer-songwriter who won an Academy Award for Best Original Song (‘I’m Easy’) and is best known in Nashville and Deadwood.

5. Variations and nicknames of Keith

Keith, a name of Celtic origin meaning 'wood' or 'forest,' has evolved across different cultures and time periods, resulting in several distinctive variants. In Scotland, where the name has deep historical roots, alternate spelling such as Keath appear. Germanic adaptations include Kiefer, while the Irish often use Kethan. The common variations of the name include Keita (Japanese), Kito (Swahili), Kiet (Vietnamese), Kito (Spanish), Kjell (Norwegian ), Ceith (Gaelic).

As with many traditional names, Keith has generated numerous affectionate nicknames and diminutives used by family and friends. The most common shortened forms include Kei, Keke, and simply Kit. More playful diminutives like Keit, Keth, Kit, Kiethie, and Kiki are popular among family members. In collegiate and professional settings, Keefa and K-Man often become preferred forms, while athletic circles might use nicknames like K-Dog or K-Dawg. Some Keith-bearers adopt specialized nicknames related to the name's woodland meaning, such as Woody or Forest. Regional variations also influence nicknames—in the southern United States, Big K or Keither-Boy aren't uncommon, while British Keiths might answer to Keithers or K-Mate. These variants and nicknames demonstrate how a relatively straightforward name has developed rich linguistic adaptations across cultures and personal relationships.

6. Best name combinations with Keith

names that pair well with Keith:

Keith Alexander
Keith Benjamin
Keith James
Keith William
Keith Peter
Keith Nathaniel
Keith Zachary
Keith Bradley
Keith Bryan
Keith Ivan
Keith Harrison
Keith Malcolm
Keith Harrison
Keith Oliver
Keith Bennett
Keith Edward
Keith Derek
Keith Patrick
Keith Gregory
Keith Charles
Sebastian Keith
Brandon Keith
Alexander Keith
Charles Keith
Michael Keith
Wilson Keith
Christian Keith
Alfonso Keith
Benjamin Keith
Carlos Keith
Cameron Keith
Anthony Keith
Logan Keith
Roy Keith
Gabriel Keith
Nathaniel Keith
Julian Keith
Eric Keith
Lucas Keith
Edward Keith

7. Numerology of Keith name

Destiny Number (Expression Number):

8
K(2) + E(5) + I(9) + T(2) + H(8) = 26 = 2+6 = 8
The number 8 represents ambition, authority, and good business sense. You have natural leadership abilities and the potential for financial success. In your career, you excel in positions of power and responsibility. In relationships, you value loyalty and might be somewhat traditional, though you can be demanding of partners.

Soul Urge Number (Heart's Desire Number):

5
E(5) + I(9) = 14 = 1+4 = 5
With a Soul Urge of 5, you deeply desire freedom, adventure, and varied experiences. You're uncomfortable with routine and restrictions. In career choices, you're drawn to travel, communication, or any field offering diversity. In relationships, you need a partner who understands your need for independence while providing stability.

Personality Number:

3
K(2) + T(2) + H(8) = 12 = 1+2 = 3
Your Personality Number 3 shows others see you as creative, expressive, and sociable. You present yourself as optimistic and communicative. This number supports careers in creative fields, entertainment, or communication. In relationships, your charm and expressiveness attract others, though you may need to work on following through with commitments.

Note: This numerology analysis is just for fun and entertainment purposes. It is not meant to be taken seriously or as a reflection of one’s true personality or destiny. No offense is intended.

8. Names similar to Keith

Like Keith ? What about:

Campbell

Scot

Adelyn

Cayden

Benjamin

Caiden

Adrian

Ainsley

Glenn

Charlette

Bom

Addison

Reid

Adeline

Afton

Hume

Charlee

Glen

Bette

Caleb

Common sibling names

Sisters

Adalyn

Delaney

Elianna

Elise

Grace

Elena

Adeline

Carter

Eleanor

Eliana

Camille

Darcy

Bella

Adelyn

Ainsley

Brothers

Darcy

Caleb

Reid

Dominic

Addison

Carter

Elijah

Aiden

Bellamy

Elias

Damien

Eli

Gael

Gabriel

Caiden

Cayden

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Jaime Babiera is a team leader at Infinity Web Solutions. As a former research intern at Rappler and contributor of op-ed pieces to the Daily Guardian, he developed expertise in rigorous information verification and published substantive editorial outputs driven by professional integrity and factual accuracy. His body of work reflects a strong commitment to truth, transparency, and excellence, ensuring every piece he releases or project he leads is reliable and compelling.

Baby name lists including Keith

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Keith

1. Keith name meaning and origin

References:

2. Keith name popularity

3. Keith in Popular Culture: Characters in Fiction

4. Celebrities with the Name Keith

5. Variations and nicknames of Keith

6. Best name combinations with Keith

names that pair well with Keith:

7. Numerology of Keith name

Destiny Number (Expression Number):

Soul Urge Number (Heart's Desire Number):

Personality Number:

8. Names similar to Keith

Like Keith ? What about:

Common sibling names

Generate a perfect name for your baby

Search by name

Here are 0 baby name ideas that should work for you and your baby:

Baby name lists including Keith

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