Keith

Meaning & Origin

Meaning: Wood; Forest

Background: The name Keith originates from a Scottish surname derived from a place name which is believed to mean 'wood' or 'forest' in Gaelic. This links the name to natural surroundings and landscapes.

At a glance

Quick stats based on the history of this name.

Lifetime rank
#75
Total births
439,808
Most popular decade
1950s (274,641 births)
10-year trend
↓ Falling (-344 ranks)
Years in Top 100
46
First recorded year
1888

Gender usage

99.5% male 0.5% female

Stats by gender

Male

First year
1888
First year births
6
First year rank
#917
Peak year
1957
Peak year births
12,437
Peak rank
#36
Most recent year
2024
Recent year births
336
Recent rank
#756

Female

First year
1900
First year births
5
First year rank
#1,932
Peak year
1968
Peak year births
74
Peak rank
#1,279
Most recent year
2007
Recent year births
8
Recent rank
#12,675

Births over time

Number of babies given this name each year.

Rank over time

Popularity rank by year (1 = most popular).

Related links