Kees

“Kees is a Dutch diminutive of the name Cornelius, which has Latin origins” — Symbolizes responsibility and protection

Netherlands origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#13344US 2022

5Births / yr

↓Falling

136All-time births

📅 Since 198500

How to pronounce Kees

KEEZ

/ˈkiːz/ · stress on KEEZ · 1 syllable

“Kees is a Dutch diminutive of the name Cornelius, which has Latin origins”

Symbolizes responsibility and protection · Netherlands origin

What does Kees mean and where does it come from?

Kees is a Dutch diminutive of the name Cornelius, which has Latin origins. The name has been in use since the Middle Ages and has been quite popular in the Netherlands and Belgium. It often symbolizes responsibility and protection, as it relates to a keeper of keys. Notable people include Kees van K

Cultural significance

Kees has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Netherlands-speaking communities, where it reflects values of dutch.

Peak popularity

Reached #6523 in 2003 — currently #13344 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Kees?

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

Keyes

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Kees?

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

Kees Grace

How popular is Kees right now?

Falling — down 2232 spots — currently #13344 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1985–2022#13344 · Top 9.8%

1985

1995

2005

2015

2022

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2022	#13344	5	▼ down 2232 · -17% births
2015	#11112	6	▼ down 4231 · -45% births
2005	#6881	11	▼ down 77 · +38% births
1995	#6804	8	▲ up 704 · +60% births
1985	#7508	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Kees

Best Year1995Rank #6804

Peak Count11

Average Rank#9130

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1985 - 20225 years

The story of Kees

Kees is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1985. With 136 total births recorded, Kees remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #7508 in 1985, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #13344 in 2022.

Names that peaked alongside Kees in 2003:

Jacob Michael Joshua Matthew Andrew

Kees by decade

Kees peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →

Decade	Births
1980s	10
1990s	38
2000s ★	75
2010s	13

💎Kees has only 136 total recorded births since 1985 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Kees?

Common

KeesieKeesy

What names sound and feel like Kees?

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

Keev

English · A meaningful name

Keen

Ireland · sorrow

Keem

American · Short form of

French · A French name

Rees

Welsh · Welsh

Kes

United Kingdom · a short form

How is Kees written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Kees

What does the name Kees mean?

Kees means "Dutch" — a name rooted in Netherlands 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 Kees?

Kees is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Kees?

Kees originates from Netherlands tradition. Netherlands 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 Kees?

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

How does Kees sound with different last names?

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