Surname Keim - Meaning and Origin
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Unraveling Multiethnic Roots: How an iGENEA DNA Test Redefined my Keim Lineage’s History
Through the use of an iGENEA DNA test, unexpected ancestral connections have been revealed within my Keim lineage, reshaping my understanding of my identity. The surprising Eastern European and Middle Eastern connections have positioned me as a part of a global citizenry, fostering a newfound appreciation and curiosity for diverse cultures and histories.
B. Keim
read moreKeim: What does the surname Keim mean?
The surname Keim is of German origin and it translates to "germ" or "bud" in English. This name could have been used to describe a young, growing child or perhaps a baby, similar to the English surname "Bud". It may have also been a name given to in reference to a person's occupation; someone who worked in the field of horticulture, botany, or farming. Given that the names in medieval times were often based on a person's occupation or personal characteristics, the last name Keim could have possibly referred to an individual's youthful energy and vitality or their connection to growing and nurturing plants. It is also found, although less commonly, as a Jewish (Ashkenazic) surname. Like many surnames, the exact historical origin of Keim can vary and may be multifaceted. Therefore, it represents a fascinating illustration of the complex history and evolution of last names.
Order DNA origin analysisKeim: Where does the name Keim come from?
The surname Keim is believed to have originated from Germany and is of occupational and locational origin. Derived from the Middle High German word "keim", it means "shoot", "sprout" or "germ". This suggests it was likely used to denote a plantsman or a nurseryman. Another theory also indicates its geographical roots, from a place in Germany named Keim.
In the earlier centuries, surnames were often derived from a person's trade, location, or personal characteristics, hence the diverse possibilities of its origin.
Today, Keim is most common in the United States, followed by Germany. In the United States, it is predominantly found in the Midwest, especially in the states of Pennsylvania due to the large German immigrant population. It is also common in other parts of Europe where there has been German influence or migration. However, it remains relatively rare compared to other surnames.
Variations of the surname Keim
The surname Keim can be traced back to several distinct places in Germany. It's a topographic name from Middle High German "keim" meaning 'shoot', 'sprout', and could have been given to someone living by a young tree, or possibly an occupational name for someone who hatched birds from eggs.
Keim has quite a few spelling variations due to the translations and regional origins. Variants of the surname Keim include Keimel, Keimg, Keimig, Keimig, Keimp, Keimper, Keimer, and Kayem. It is also found transformed into Kime or Kim in some places. These variations can occur interchangeably even within the same branch of the family, due to the old handwriting styles, lack of spelling rules, and changes in languages.
As with many surnames of Germanic origin, the name Keim could also be a patronymic surname, derived from the personal name of an ancestor. Here it might have been derived from the old German personal names like Kemme, Kemma, Kemmer, or Kemmo.
Similar sounding Jewish surnames like Kaim and Keimowitz might also be mistaken for variants, but they comprise of different origins and meanings.
Famous people with the name Keim
- Scott Keim, former professional basketball and American-Israeli coach
- Abe Keim, American Mennonite bishop and publisher
- Samantha Keim, American TV and movie personality
- Levi Keim, American Mennonite historian and author
- Yair Keim, Israeli actor
- Christine Keim, American fighter pilot
- Paul Keim, American biosecurity scientist
- Jonathan Keim, American chess grandmaster
- Peter Keim, Swiss philosopher and theologian
- Karl Keim, German theologian and world traveler