Keefe

“descendant of Caomh”

Irish origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#780US 2023

1.4kBirths / yr

→Stable

658All-time births

📅 Since 195200

How to pronounce Keefe

KEEF

/ˈkiːf/ · stress on KEEF · 1 syllable

“descendant of Caomh”

Irish origin · Boy name

What does Keefe mean and where does it come from?

The name Keefe is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic surname 'Ó Caomh', which means 'descendant of Caomh'. The name Caomh itself means 'gentle' or 'noble'. The name has been used since at least the 12th century. In contemporary contexts, it is sometimes used as a first name, especially in Engl

Cultural significance

Keefe has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Irish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of irish.

Peak popularity

Reached #1374 in 1963 — currently #780 in the US.

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How else can you spell Keefe?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Kief

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Keefe?

Keefe works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Keefe Grace

How popular is Keefe right now?

Holding steady — currently #780 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1955–2023#780 · Top 0.58%

1955

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#780	1,420	▲ up 5 · +1% births
2022	#785	1,400	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021	#790	1,370	▲ up 10205 · +22733% births
2010	#10995	6	▼ down 608
2005	#10387	6	▼ down 4714 · -50% births
2000	#5673	12	▼ down 2076 · -33% births
1995	#3597	18	▼ down 781 · -22% births
1990	#2816	23	▲ up 693 · +77% births
1985	#3509	13	▼ down 164
1980	#3345	13	▼ down 342
1975	#3003	13	▼ down 140 · +8% births
1970	#2863	12	▲ up 1419 · +140% births
1965	#4282	5	▼ down 1867 · -62% births
1960	#2415	13	▲ up 342 · +30% births
1955	#2757	10	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Keefe

Best Year2023Rank #780

Peak Count1,420

Average Rank#3866

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1955 - 202315 years

The story of Keefe

Keefe entered American naming records in 1952 and has been in use for over 72 years. With 658 total births recorded, Keefe remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2757 in 1955 to #780 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Keefe in 1963:

Michael John David James Robert

Keefe by decade

Keefe peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →

Decade	Births
1950s	74
1960s	118
1970s	131
1980s	123
1990s ★	142
2000s	59
2010s	11

💎Keefe has only 658 total recorded births since 1952 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Keefe?

Common

KeeKeefKeefieKeefy

Famous people named Keefe

Keefe (Irish saint)

Keefe helped spread this name across Ireland and Scotland through the early Christian monastic movement.

Keefe (Irish revolutionary)

Keefe carried this name during Ireland's struggle for independence, giving it a spirit of courage.

Keefe (traditional Irish musician)

Keefe passed this name through generations of Irish musical tradition.

Keefe (Celtic chieftain)

Keefe bore this name in ancient Ireland, where it connected to the Gaelic oral tradition.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Keefe?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Keefe also consider these

Keene

American · The name Keene

Keegen

Irish · descendant of Caoinin

Keelen

Irish · Irish

Keane

Irish · ancient, distant from

Grefe

Greek · A Greek name

Keneen

Irish · Descendant of the

How is Keefe written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Keefe

What does the name Keefe mean?

Keefe means "Irish" — a name rooted in Irish tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Keefe?

Keefe is currently ranked #780 as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Keefe?

Keefe originates from Irish tradition. Irish names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Keefe?

Keefe is a one-syllable name pronounced K IY1 F. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Keefe sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Keefe flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Keefe ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.