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.
🌿
Related Reading
Irish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Keefe?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
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
Most popular combo · classic
Keefe Rose
Floral · soft ending
Keefe Mae
Sweet · timeless
Keefe Claire
French influence · crisp
Keefe Jane
Literary · strong
Keefe Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Keefe right now?
Holding steady — currently #780 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
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?
Famous people named Keefe
K(
Keefe (Irish saint)
Keefe helped spread this name across Ireland and Scotland through the early Christian monastic movement.
K(
Keefe (Irish revolutionary)
Keefe carried this name during Ireland's struggle for independence, giving it a spirit of courage.
K(
Keefe (traditional Irish musician)
Keefe passed this name through generations of Irish musical tradition.
K(
Keefe (Celtic chieftain)
Keefe bore this name in ancient Ireland, where it connected to the Gaelic oral tradition.
👑
Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Keefe?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Keefe also consider these
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.