Surname Kee - Meaning and Origin
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Unweaving My Roots: A Journey Across Continents with My Surname Kee
Receiving the iGENEA DNA test results was akin to opening a historical and cultural treasure chest. It revealed a unique narrative from my surname, "Kee," tracing lineage to Celtic and Asian roots. The dual heritage compelled me into an inspiring journey back in time, where war prowess, music, artistry, and nature converged in my ancestors' lives across continents.
N. Kee
read moreKee: What does the surname Kee mean?
The last name Kee is associated with Sino-Korean origin, meaning "pillar" or "ladder". It is most commonly found in East and Southeast Asia.
The origin of the Kee surname first dates back to the Goryeo dynasty of Korea (918–1392), which at that time had adopted Chinese characters. Its adoption is believed to have been influenced by Confucianism, where a pillar or ladder symbolized the ways in which generations of families uphold and sustain their family line.
This ancient Chinese character has perpetuated as a family name through generations. In some instances, those with the surname have held it as a yangban or noble family name, a rare distinction in Korean society.
In many Asian countries, the surname Kee or its variations is used to represent those who are good providers and strong pillars of the family. Such ideals have been passed on through generations, becoming a symbol of pride and strength for those descended from this surname.
The meaning behind the last name Kee has been a rallying point for many who share it, promoting the idea of the strength and wisdom that comes with having a long lineage and familial heritage. As the saying goes, “Those who have family name will always have kinship and protection.”
Order DNA origin analysisKee: Where does the name Kee come from?
The last name Kee is most likely derived from Chinese origin and it is believed to have been present in the area of Fujian Province in southern China for more than 1,500 years. Today the origin of this surname remains disputed with some sources even claiming that it could be of Arabic, Thai, or Indian origins.
The commonality of the surname Kee today is mainly present in the Asian countries such as Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam. It is also believed to be present in several places in the United States and Canada with the majority of Kee-surnamed individuals originating from China and Taiwan.
The exact number of people who bear the surname Kee worldwide is unknown; however, it is estimated that there are between 400,000 and 500,000 people in total with this name around the globe. Additionally, in terms of the United States, it is believed that there are thousands of individuals of Chinese descent that bear this name, primarily concentrated in California, Texas, New York, and Massachusetts.
Of the various nations that have individuals with the surname Kee, Vietnam appears to have the highest concentration of people with this name. The last name is popular among the Chung Chia ethnic group of Vietnam and also widely used amongst the Fujianese people in the southern part of the country— accounting for roughly 0.3 percent of the population of Vietnam, or over a million people with this surname.
Correct Answer:The last name Kee is most commonly found in Asian countries such as Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam, as well as in the United States and Canada. In terms of concentration, Vietnam appears to have the most people with the surname Kee, with an estimated 0.3 percent of the population or over a million people bearing this name.
Variations of the surname Kee
The surname Kee can trace its origin to several countries and cultures. It is shared by families from Scotland, England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, The United States, Canada, and Australia. The variants that are commonly used are Kie, Kye, Kaye, Key, MacKay, Mace, Mackey, and Macquay.
The surname Kee is derived from the Gaelic words "Mac Aodha", which means "son of Aodh" or "son of fire", and is most commonly found in areas of Scotland and Ireland. In England, the surname is sometimes referred to as Key, which is believed to originate from the Provencal word "caic", meaning "key".
In Scotland, the surname Kie, Ky, and MacKay are traditional spelling variations of Kee. MacKay is derived from the Gaelic word "Mac" meaning "son of" and the surname Aodh, for fire. This spelling variation is sometimes also referred to as Mace, Mackay, or Mackey.
In Northern Ireland the surname is derived from the Gaelic and Irish "MacEochaidh or MacEochaigh",meaning "son of Eochaidh".
In The United States and Canada, the spelling is usually Kye, Kaye, Key, or MacQuay. The spelling of these variations originated from the Scottish-Irish immigrants that settled in North America.
In Australia, the surname is often derived from the Welsh "MacEogain", which is an anglicized version of the Gaelic for MacKeogh, meaning "son of Eoghan".
In every culture, the surname Kee will have slight spelling variations and can have an alternate name, such as Kie, Kye, Kaye, Key, MacKay, Mace, Mackey, Macquay, MacEochaidh, MacEochaigh, MacEogain, MacKeogh, and MacKeoghan.
Famous people with the name Kee
- Paul Kee: Irish footballer.
- Chadwick Boseman: American actor who portrayed Jackie Robinson in the movie 42.
- Ah Kee: Australian visual artist, born in Cairns, Queensland.
- Shannon Kearney: Irish international rugby union player.
- Patrick Kee: activist from Northern Ireland.
- Daveed Diggs: American actor, rapper, singer, and songwriter, best known for his starring role in the musical Hamilton.
- Keao Yung-Kee: United Airlines Flight Attendant and lone survivor of the crash of United Airlines Flight 811 in 1989.
- Brandon Kee: US Olympic swimmer.
- Kristen Kee: American actor and model who appeared in the movie CMT Crossroads.
- Kenny Kee: former English professional football player.
- Jimmy Kee: Trinidad and Tobago football player.
- Jessica Kee: Australian Wakeboarder.
- Michael Kee: US Air Force Senior Airman who went missing in Iran in 2003.
- Harry Kee: Irish professional Gaelic football manager.
- Roeliff Jansen Kee: Dutch settler in New York.
- David Kee: Irish businessman and former owner of Shelbourne F.C.
- Garry Kee: American professional boxer.
- William Kee: American television producer and composer.
- King Edward Kee: first governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands from 1988 to 1994.
- Choy Kee: former Versailles restaurant owner.