Keis History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland
England

Etymology of Keis

What does the name Keis mean?

The Keis surname is thought to have emerged from several different sources. In Northern England and Scotland, it comes from the Old Norse "ká," which meant "jackdaw." It also came from the Breton and Old Welsh word "Cai," and the Cornish word "Key," both of which meant "wharf." And, in some instances, this surname is no doubt derived from the Old English "Coeg," which meant "key."

Early Origins of the Keis family

The surname Keis was first found in Yorkshire, but the surname was also found in Lincolnshire, and Cambridgeshire as far back as the 13th century. One of the first records in Scotland was the Kae family of Croslats who were and "old family" of West Lothian. The Keay spelling was quite popular in Perthshire. Philip Qua was listed in Aberdeen in 1317 and Donald Ka was listed there too in 1399. Thomas Kaa was on an inquest taken at Berwick-on-Tweed in 1370. Patrick Ka was burgess of Linkithgow until his death in 1445. 1 The "Mac" prefix seems is difficult to clarify. Some Mackay (Macaoid) families may have shortened their name.

Early History of the Keis family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Keis research. Another 154 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1219, 1246, 1372, 1500, 1640 and 1704 are included under the topic Early Keis History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Keis Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Kay, Kaye and others.

Early Notables of the Keis family

More information is included under the topic Early Keis Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Keis family to Ireland

Some of the Keis family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 37 words (3 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Keis family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: James Kay, who arrived in Virginia in 1677; Edward Kaye, who received a land grant in Virginia in 1724; Brian Kay, who settled in Fort Cumberland Nova Scotia with his wife, Dorothy, his brother Robert, and five children in 1774.

The Keis 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: Kynd Kynn Knawne Kepe
Motto Translation: Keep your own kin-kind.

Sources +

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)