Summary

The surname KEYES is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic personal name Mac Taidh which means 'son of Tadhg'. It is believed to have been first used in County Galway and later spread to other parts of Ireland. The Keyes family has a rich history and is associated with ancient Gaelic nobility.
There are
18252
Keyess in the USA
Keyes is the
1979th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Keyes

EvelynKeyes

Evelyn Keyes was an American actress known for her role as Scarlett O'Hara's sister Suellen in the film 'Gone with the Wind' (1939). She also appeared in other notable films such as 'Here Comes Mr. Jordan' (1941) and 'The Jolson Story' (1946).

AlanKeyes

Alan Keyes is an American conservative political activist, diplomat, and commentator. He ran for President of the United States in 1996, 2000, and 2008, representing the Republican Party. Keyes has been known for his strong conservative stance on issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage.

FrancisScott

Francis Scott Keyes was an American lawyer, author, and amateur poet who wrote the lyrics to 'The Star-Spangled Banner,' the national anthem of the United States. He witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812, which inspired him to write the poem that later became the anthem.

DavidKeyes

David Keyes is an American scholar and translator specializing in Arabic literature. He has translated works by prominent Arab authors and has written extensively on Middle Eastern culture and politics. Keyes has served as the executive director of the Institute for Palestine Studies and has held academic positions at various universities.

AliciaKeys

Alicia Keys is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. She rose to fame in the early 2000s with her debut album 'Songs in A Minor,' which featured the hit singles 'Fallin' and 'A Woman's Worth.' Keys has won numerous Grammy Awards and is known for her soulful voice and empowering lyrics.

GeoffreyKeyes

Geoffrey Keyes was an American military officer who served during World War II. He is best known for leading the successful raid on the Italian stronghold of Rommel's Asparagus, a series of underwater obstacles designed to hinder the Allied invasion of North Africa. Keyes was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his leadership and bravery.

ArabellaKeyes

Arabella Keyes was an American suffragist and women's rights activist. She campaigned for women's right to vote and was involved in organizing and leading protests and marches. Keyes was a prominent figure in the suffrage movement and played a key role in advocating for women's rights.

JonathanKeyes

Jonathan Keyes is a British actor known for his television and film appearances. He has worked in both drama and comedy roles and has appeared in popular TV shows such as 'Downton Abbey' and 'Peaky Blinders,' as well as films like 'The Imitation Game' and 'Pride.' Keyes is known for his versatile acting skills and charismatic presence on screen.

AngelaKeyes

Angela Keyes is a Canadian scientist and researcher in the field of neuroscience. She has made significant contributions to the understanding of brain development and has published numerous papers on the subject. Keyes is known for her innovative research methods and her dedication to advancing the field of neuroscience.

ThomasKeyes

Thomas Keyes was an English naval officer who served during the Elizabethan era. He was second-in-command to Sir Francis Drake during the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. Keyes played a crucial role in the victory and was honored for his bravery and strategic leadership.

Keyes Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Keyes' is of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name 'Mac Aodha,' meaning 'son of Aodh.' Aodh is a personal name of unknown meaning, but it is associated with fire or brightness in Irish mythology.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Keyes' is most commonly found in Ireland, especially in the counties of Limerick, Tipperary, and Kerry. It is also found in smaller numbers in other parts of the United Kingdom and in the United States, particularly in areas with Irish or Scottish ancestry.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Keyes' include 'Keys,' 'Keays,' and 'Kyes.' These variations may reflect different spellings or regional pronunciations of the name.
Migration and ImmigrationIrish immigrants with the surname 'Keyes' have been recorded in various countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Many Irish emigrated during the Great Famine in the mid-19th century, seeking better opportunities and escaping poverty. The name 'Keyes' has since become established in these countries, often retaining its Irish origins and cultural connections.