Show ContentsKeevers History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Keevers

What does the name Keevers mean?

The Keevers surname is thought to have derived from an Old Norse personal name Ivarr of uncertain origin. It became a given name in Ireland, Scotland and Wales before becoming a hereditary surname.

Early Origins of the Keevers family

The surname Keevers was first found in Dumbartonshire. The first on record was "Douenaldus filius Makbeth mac Ywar was one of the perambulators of the boundary between the lands of Arnbroath Abbey and the barony of Kynblathmund, 1219." 1

Early History of the Keevers family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Keevers research. Another 296 words (21 lines of text) covering the years 1292, 1479, 1488, 1499, 1541, 1562, 1563, 1621, 1622, 1638, 1640, 1644, 1659, 1890 and 1931 are included under the topic Early Keevers History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Keevers Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: MacIver, MacIvor, MacCure, MacEure, MacUre and many more.

Early Notables of the Keevers family

Another 39 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Keevers Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Keevers family to Ireland

Some of the Keevers family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 81 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Keevers migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Keevers Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Sara Keevers, arrived in New York in 1923 aboard the ship "Zeeland" from Southampton, England 2

Contemporary Notables of the name Keevers (post 1700) +

  • John P. Keevers, American Democratic Party politician, Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Illinois, 1912 3
  • Bernard V. Keevers, American Democratic Party politician, Member of Connecticut State House of Representatives from Windsor Locks; elected 1926; postmaster at Windsor Locks, Connecticut, 1933-38 (acting, 1933-34) 3
  • Sam Keevers, Australian ARIA Award nominated jazz pianist


The Keevers Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Numquam obliviscar
Motto Translation: I will never forget.


  1. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
  2. Ellis Island Search retrieved 15th November 2022. Retrieved from https://heritage.statueofliberty.org/passenger-result
  3. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, October 7) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


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