Surname Keym - Meaning and Origin
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Keym: What does the surname Keym mean?
The last name Keym is often associated with the family of Dutch descent, originating in Southwestern Germany. Over 200 years ago, the family migrated to the Netherlands.
The name Keym derives from the Dutch word "Keim" which means grain or seed. As such, it is thought to have originally been a patronymic surname, given to someone born of a father with the first name of Keim or a variant thereof. However, the surname may also have derived from the Dutch word "Kam", which designates a barrier, a fence, or a wall. It stands to reason that the original bearer of this surname was employed in the building of such structures.
Keym is technically classified as a habitational surname, meaning that it points to a specific location. This name is associated with several villages in the Netherlands including Keymeulen in the province of Zeeland, and Kaimen in the province of Groningen. It is also found among several small settlements in Germany.
The Keym surname has evolved and changed slightly over the centuries. For example, variations of this name include Kaimen, Keymeulen de, Keymel, Keymeulen, Keymulder, and Keimlaan. It can be found in many countries around the world today, including the United States, Canada, Brazil, Australia, and the Netherlands.
The meaning of the Keym surname is rich in history and varied in its use. Beyond indicating a migration, ancestry, or origin, it's also indicative of a love of construction and a sense of sturdy purpose.
Order DNA origin analysisKeym: Where does the name Keym come from?
The last name Keym is most commonly found today in Germany. It is an occupational name of German origin, derived from the Middle High German “keim” which means “barrel maker”.
The name is more concentrated in the northern regions of Germany, particularly in the states of Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg, Lower Saxony and Brandenburg. It is also found in the neighbouring countries of Denmark, Austria and Poland.
Given the proximity of these countries, it is likely that the surname has a long history in this region and may even predate the twelfth century and the unification of Germany.
Outside of this broad region, the surname Keym can also be found in other parts of the world. This is due in large part to German emigrants who left their homeland in search of a better life in the United States, Canada, Australia and South Africa.
Interestingly, the surname Keym is not particularly rare, ranking 8,386th in the world in terms of popularity. This ranking reflects the tens of thousands of people today who share the last name Keym around the world.
Variations of the surname Keym
The surname Keym is primarily found in Germany and is derived from an Old German name meaning "kingdom" or "protecting kingdom". Variations and spellings of Keym often include Kaim, Keim, Kaym, and Keam.
The variants Keym, Kaim and Keim are quite common, while the Kaym and Keam variants are much rarer. All variants of the surname share the same pronunciation, with the exception of Kaym, which has a noticeably different "ay" sound.
The surname Keym is also found in countries such as Russia, China, India, and the United States. In these countries, the surname is often spelled and pronounced slightly differently, with variants such as Klym, Kimm, Kym, Kaima, Kaema, and Keamov.
The surname Keym is also related to several other surnames, including Kaimer, Kimmer, Kimling, Kimmel, Kimmelmann, Kammerer, Kaemmerer, Kammermann, Kammer, and Kummer. All of these surnames have the same original German derivation and are linked to the Keym surname.
In all its various forms, the surname Keym remains a distinctive and enduring German surname. It remains popular amongst families of German descent and is likely to continue to feature prominently in the years to come.
Famous people with the name Keym
- Adam Keym: Belgian musician, who is perhaps best known for his infectious blend of flamenco, classical and jazz.
- Hasen Keym: Swiss alpine skier, who competed in the 1998, 2002 and 2006 Winter Olympics.
- Rick Keym: American actor and cinematographer who has appeared in several television shows, feature films, shorts, television movies and commercials.
- Kevin Keym: Belgian avant-garde singer-songwriter, co-founder of the seminal experimental group the Lower School.
- Robert Keym: French painter, best known for his landscapes and figurative scenes featuring characters from rural Umbria.
- Will Keym: American singer, songwriter, and composer known for his rich baritone singing style and for his ability to cover vast musical genres from classical to contemporary pop.
- Chris Keym: American cinematographer, writer, and director who is best known for his documentary films and award-winning short films.
- Jake Keym: Dutch deejay, producer and sound engineer known for his tropical-influenced House music.
- Shelia Keym: Canadian artist who creates mixed media artwork featuring text, paint, and objects.
- Sandy Keym: Belgian folk singer and songwriter, whose music combines elements of traditional folk with a refreshing twist.