How common is the Keefe surname?

There are approximately 45,000 people with the surname Keefe in the United States.

Are there Keefe soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 428 soldiers with the Keefe surname appear in Civil War records.

Keefe

Q: What does the surname Keefe mean?

The surname Keefe means "Descendant of Ceabhair or derived from the Irish word for 'gentle' or 'kind'.". It is of Irish origin.

Patronymic

Meaning

Descendant of Ceabhair or derived from the Irish word for 'gentle' or 'kind'.

Etymology

The surname comes from the Irish Ó Caoimh or Ó Ceabhair, with Keefe being an anglicized form. The Irish root may derive from caomh, meaning gentle or beloved.

About the Keefe Surname

A common Irish surname with multiple anglicized spellings reflecting different phonetic interpretations. The name has maintained strong presence in Irish communities worldwide.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 45,000 bearers in the United States #549 most common surname

Rare Common

Common in Ireland and widespread throughout the United States and English-speaking countries.

Keefe Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

People with the Keefe Surname

Sarah Keefe

Quick Facts

Origin: Irish
Classification: Patronymic
Earliest Record: 16th century
Estimated Bearers: 45,000

War Records

428 soldiers with the Keefe surname found in Civil War records.

Search war records →