Keefe

♂ Boy

How to Pronounce Keefe

Pronounced KEEF /ˈkif/High

Meaning: Keefe comes from the Irish surname O Caoimh, from 'caomh', 'gentle', 'noble', or 'beloved/handsome'. Best known in the form O'Keeffe, it moved from surname to given name, carrying a warm, dignified meaning.Medium

In 30 seconds: Keefe is an Irish surname name from 'caomh', meaning 'gentle, noble, handsome'. A crisp one-syllable name with deep Irish roots (said KEEF).

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Origin MediumIrish

MeaningKeefe comes from the Irish surname O Caoimh, from 'caomh', 'gentle', 'noble', or 'beloved/handsome'. Best known in the form O'Keeffe, it moved from surname to given name, carrying a warm, dignified meaning.

U.S. rank (2012)#13270 ↘ Falling

2012 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1963

Total births (all-time)≈ 658

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Keefe derives from the Irish surname O Caoimh, anglicized as O'Keeffe, based on caomh, 'gentle, noble, handsome'. Like many Irish surnames it crossed into use as a first name, especially in America, where its single strong syllable made it an appealing, heritage-minded choice for boys.

Keefe was never common, given to only a few dozen boys a year around its early-1960s peak and appearing quietly through the century. It pairs a tough, compact sound with a tender meaning, and its surname pedigree keeps it feeling grounded and Irish.

Did you know? The Irish root behind Keefe, 'caomh', means gentle or beloved - so this short, sturdy-sounding name actually carries one of the softest meanings in the Irish name-stock.

Overall data confidence 60%

References - Keefe / O'Keeffe — Irish surname O Caoimh, from 'caomh' = gentle, noble, handsome

Variations

KeeffeKeeferKeiffeKeefer

Nicknames

KeeKeef

Famous Bearers

★Georgia O'Keeffe (1887-1986)
the celebrated American modernist painter bears the surname O'Keeffe, the fuller form of the Irish name from which Keefe derives

If you like Keefe…

Keegan— a fellow Irish surname-name with the same Kee- sound

Keenan— another Irish surname turned first name of similar feel

Quinn— a crisp Irish surname name of the same register

Kian— a short Irish boy's name with a comparable sound

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Keefe mean?

Keefe is an Irish surname name from 'caomh', meaning 'gentle, noble, handsome'.

How do you pronounce Keefe?

It's said KEEF /ˈkif/ — one syllable, stress on the first.

Is Keefe a boy or girl name?

Keefe is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Keefe?

Keefe has always been uncommon, an Irish surname name that saw its quiet high in the early sixties.