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Keyshia

♀ Girl

Pronounced KAY-shuh /ˈkeɪ.ʃə/Medium

Meaning: Keyshia is a respelling of Keisha, an African-American name generally traced to Keziah, the Hebrew Ketziah, 'cassia' — a fragrant cinnamon-like tree — and a daughter of Job in the Bible. The Key- spelling was popularized by the singer Keyshia Cole.Low

In 30 seconds: Keyshia respells Keisha, a name often traced to Keziah, the biblical 'cassia tree' (said 'KAY-shuh').

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Origin LowHebrew, American

MeaningKeyshia is a respelling of Keisha, an African-American name generally traced to Keziah, the Hebrew Ketziah, 'cassia' — a fragrant cinnamon-like tree — and a daughter of Job in the Bible. The Key- spelling was popularized by the singer Keyshia Cole.

U.S. rank (2018)#14781 ↘ Falling

2018 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2006

Total births (all-time)≈ 267

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

Keyshia is a variant of Keisha, a name that blossomed in African-American communities in the later twentieth century. It is usually traced to Keziah, the Hebrew Ketziah, 'cassia', a sweet-smelling tree, and the name of one of Job's daughters. Keyshia gives the popular Keisha a distinctive Key- spelling.

It was a rare variant, cresting around 2006 in step with the fame of singer Keyshia Cole and easing back after. A Keyshia today is likely a young adult; the spelling is uncommon while Keisha and the biblical Keziah anchor the name's longer history.

Did you know? The Key- spelling of Keyshia is closely associated with R&B singer Keyshia Cole, whose rise in the mid-two-thousands lines up with the name's small peak around 2006.

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Keyshia — respelling of Keisha / Keziah; bearer Keyshia Cole

Variations

KeishaKeyshaKeziah

Nicknames

KeyShia

Famous Bearers

★Keyshia Cole (1981–present)
American R&B singer and songwriter who rose to fame in the mid-2000s with hit albums and singles.

If you like Keyshia…

Keisha— the standard spelling and direct parent

Keysha— a close sister spelling

Lakeisha— an elaborated cousin of the same name

Keziah— the biblical root usually cited for it

Explore names like Keyshia

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Keyshia mean?

Keyshia is a respelling of Keisha, usually traced to Keziah, the Hebrew for 'cassia', a fragrant tree.

How do you pronounce Keyshia?

It's said KAY-shuh /ˈkeɪ.ʃə/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Keyshia a boy or girl name?

Keyshia is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Keyshia?

Keyshia has always been rare, a variant of Keisha most associated with singer Keyshia Cole.