Surname Keachie - Meaning and Origin
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Keachie: What does the surname Keachie mean?
The last name Keachie is of Scottish origin and is also found in Northern Irish and English culture. Its root is derived from the Gaelic words “caich” (protection) and “aidhche” (night time or twilight). It is assumed that the name was originally given to individuals who provided protection or guardianship during the nighttime hours, suggesting that the surname was a descriptive nickname given to the ancestors of those who carry the name today.
The name Keachie is derived from the Middle English term “coachman”, which has the same root and meaning, although it was first used as a designation for a horseman who drove a coach. This suggests that those bearing the name likely had a role in transporting people or goods during the nighttime.
Keachie is still found in Scotland today, where a number of families bearing the name are spread across the country. Keachie has also experienced some intriguing occurrences across the world throughout its history. For instance, there is a place called Keachie in Northern New South Wales, Australia, which is said to have been named after a surveyor who was travelling in the area during the late 19th century.
Overall, the name Keachie has a strong Scottish heritage, suggesting that its ancestors provided some form of protection during nighttime hours. It has also spread around the world, showing its resilient nature and the ability of its hindered members to overcome geographical barriers.
Order DNA origin analysisKeachie: Where does the name Keachie come from?
The last name Keachie is commonly found today in a number of English-speaking countries, particularly countries with strong Scottish and Irish heritage. In Scotland, Keachie is most prevalent in Aberdeen City. In Ireland, Keachie is most commonly found in County Down.
In the United States, Keachie is most commonly found in the states of Arkansas, Tennessee, and Georgia. It is relatively rare in the rest of the nation. Keachie is most common among the southern states of the Appalachian and Ozark regions, likely due to the influx of Scottish and Irish immigrants to those areas during the 19th century.
Keachie is also found in Canada, particularly in provinces that are more heavily populated by people of British and Irish heritage, such as Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia.
The Keachie surname is most likely related to the Scottish name Mac Eachadh, which is derived from the Gaelic word each, meaning horse or steed. The Mac Eachadh family likely took their name from their horseman vocation. The Keachie name is likely derived from the Mac Eachadh bloodline, given their shared similarity in pronunciation.
Variations of the surname Keachie
The surname Keachie has several variants, spellings, and alternate surnames. The primary spelling is Keachie, but it also has a variety of other spellings, such as Kechi, Keachy, Keechy, Keachey, Kechey, Keachee, Kechee, Kechy, Keach, Keech, Keichel, Keichley, Kechel, and Kechley.
The variants and spellings of Keachie originate from the ancient Gaelic and Celtic origins of the surname. The Germanic form of the surname is Keichel, which is derived from the Low German words kech and keche, meaning “keg” or “barrel”. The Gaelic form of the surname is Keighley, which comes from the Gaelic words caoch, meaning “blind”, and leigh, meaning “meadow”.
The surname also has several related surnames, such as Keck, Keeck, Keechle, Keichelbein, Kechele, Kirkhuff, and Kowalewski. All of these surnames are derived from the same Gaelic and Celtic roots as Keachie itself.
The surname Keachie is still commonly found today, particularly in Scotland and England. It is also quite common in the United States, where it was adopted by early European settlers.
Famous people with the name Keachie
- Stacy Keach Sr.: Veteran actor who appeared in numerous films, television programs, and stage productions.
- Stacy Keach Jr.: Actor who is best known for his leading roles in the TV series Titus, Mike Hammer and Prison Break.
- Simon Keachie: British actor who has appeared in the films This is England, In Bruges and Coronation Street.
- Les Keachie: Former professional footballer who played for playoffs and held several coaching positions at the club.
- Arthur Keachie: Canadian Major League Baseball player who played longest for Pittsburgh Pirates in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Walter Keachie: Scottish international footballer who played for various teams in Scotland, North America, and England.
- Adam Keachie: Australian professional rugby league player who represented the Queensland State of Origin team.
- Iain Keachie: Scottish actor who has starred in films such as The Borrowers, I, Robot, and The Brothers McLeod.
- Robert Keachie: New Zealand cricketer, World Cup referee, and politician who played in the Plunket Shield.
- James Keachie: Scottish professional footballer who represented several clubs in England and Scotland.