Keith
/ˈkiθ/
Keith derives from a Scottish place name, possibly from a Brittonic Celtic word meaning “wood” or “forest.” The Clan Keith held the hereditary office of Great Marischal of Scotland.
As a given name, Keith spread beyond Scotland in the 19th century and exploded in mid-20th-century America, becoming a quintessential baby-boomer choice.
Keith peaked at No. 32 in 1966 with 11,614 births. In 2024 it ranks No. 756 with 336 births, a dramatic fall from its 1960s dominance.
What the name Keith means
Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards defined rock-and-roll rebellion. Country star Keith Urban and political commentator Keith Olbermann show the name’s breadth.
One syllable—KEETH—is clean and direct. The voiceless dental fricative and long vowel give it a bright, cutting sound that wastes no syllable.
Though deeply unfashionable at present, Keith holds massive cultural familiarity. Midcentury names often return after 2-3 generations of dormancy.
At 11,614 births in 1966, Keith was among the decade’s most popular names. That scale of historical usage ensures it will never fully disappear.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Keith
Keith - similar names
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