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Home › Baby Names Directory › Keyes

Keyes

♂ Boy

Pronounced KEEZ /ˈkiz/High

Meaning: From the surname Keyes/Keys. In Ireland it can anglicize Mac Aodha, 'son of Aodh' (fire); in England it may be occupational, from the keeper of keys, or a topographic name from a quay. Sources differ, so the meaning is not settled, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: One clean syllable: Keyes is an English and Irish surname, read as 'son of Aodh' or a keeper of keys (said 'KEEZ').
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Origin LowEnglish, Irish
MeaningFrom the surname Keyes/Keys. In Ireland it can anglicize Mac Aodha, 'son of Aodh' (fire); in England it may be occupational, from the keeper of keys, or a topographic name from a quay. Sources differ, so the meaning is not settled, which we note.
U.S. rank (2024)#13277
2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2024
Total births (all-time)≈ 5

History & Origin

Keyes is a surname of both English and Irish use. In Ireland it renders Mac Aodha, 'son of Aodh' (from aodh, 'fire'); in England it may be occupational, from a keeper of keys, or from residence by a quay. Because sources differ, we note the meaning as unsettled (said 'KEEZ').

It appears only rarely for boys in the U.S. Rare, surname-style, and sharp.

Did you know? The surname Keyes has more than one story — Irish families used it for Mac Aodha, 'son of fire', while in England it could mark a key-keeper or someone living by a quay. We note the meaning as unsettled.
Overall data confidence 45%
References — Keyes — English/Irish surname; Mac Aodha or key-keeper; meaning unsettled

Variations

KeysKeyesKeays

Nicknames

KeyKee

Famous Bearers

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If you like Keyes…

Reeves— a like one-beat surname name
Hayes— a close rhyme in sound
Banks— a like crisp surname pick
Keegan— a like Irish surname name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Keyes mean?

Keyes comes from an English and Irish surname, read either as 'son of Aodh' (fire) or as a name for a keeper of keys. Sources differ, which we note.

How do you pronounce Keyes?

It's said KEEZ /ˈkiz/ — one syllable.

Is Keyes a boy or girl name?

Keyes is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Keyes?

Keyes is a rare name for boys in the U.S.

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