Surname Keddie - Meaning and Origin
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Keddie: What does the surname Keddie mean?
The surname Keddie is of Scottish origin. It is believed to be derived from the place name, "Keddie", located in the county of Fife, Scotland. It also has a possible connection to an ancient Scottish tribe known as the Picts. The name itself is thought to mean something along the lines of "wood-dweller" or "one who lives by the wood," indicating that the family originated from a wooded or forest area.
Historically, Scottish last names often began as descriptive nicknames based on the physical features, occupation, or location of an individual. Therefore, Keddie would originally have been used to identify someone who lived near or within a forest. People with the last name Keddie would share this common heritage.
However, like many last names, its exact meaning and origin has been lost over time and interpretations may vary. Despite this, the name Keddie continues to be tied to Scottish history and identity. Today, the name is found not only in Scotland but also in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia due to historical Scottish immigration.
Order DNA origin analysisKeddie: Where does the name Keddie come from?
The surname Keddie is of Scottish origin, believed to be derived from the medieval Scottish Gaelic name "Mac Adaidh" which translates to "son of Adam". This surname can be traced back to the ancient Scottish region of Fife. Additionally, the small village of Keddie, located in the heartland of Scotland, amidst the Grampian mountains, could be another source of this surname.
As for today, the surname Keddie has been carried by Scottish emigrants worldwide over generations, making it globally dispersed. However, regions with a significant presence of those with the Keddie surname include the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and Canada. In the United Kingdom, it is most common in Scotland, reflecting its historical origins. Furthermore, it is frequent in areas with heavy Scottish influence or settlement, like certain parts of the United States, specifically New England, and countries like Australia and Canada. Despite its dispersion, Keddie is not a particularly common surname.
Variations of the surname Keddie
Variants and spelling alternations of the surname Keddie may be influenced by various factors such as regional pronunciation and transcription errors over the periods. Similar or alternative spellings might appear as Keddy, Keddey, Kedhead, and Keddeigh among others. The name might also have cognates or similarly stemmed names in other languages, representing similar meanings or origins.
Keddie is of Scottish origin, primarily found in Fife region. Other surnames from the same or related origin may include Scottish names stemming from a similar source or exhibiting comparable characteristics. The surname Keddie belongs to a class of surnames derived from old Scottish personal names. So, surnames like Rennie, Donnie, or Geddie could potentially have a similar origin.
It’s important to acknowledge that deviations and connections in surnames can be complex due to migration, translation and evolution of language, therefore these links may not be definite. Research about particular lineages and genealogical DNA testing could provide more specific insight about individual cases.
Famous people with the name Keddie
- Asher Keddie: An Australian actress who gained popularity for her roles in popular TV series such as "Offspring" and "Love My Way". She has won several awards, including multiple Logie Awards.
- Hugh G. Keddie: An American painter known for his abstract expressionist paintings.
- Neil Keddie: A Scottish Rugby Union player who played for both the Edinburgh Rugby and the Scotland national team.
- Yvonne Keddie: A Scottish novelist known for writing a series of crime thrillers.
- James Keddie Jr.: An American golfer who played on the PGA Tour in the 1960s and 1970s.
- Ronald Keddie: An American stage actor known for his performances on Broadway.
- Steve Keddie: A retired Canadian ice hockey player who played for the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 1970s.
- Martha Keddie: An Australian author known for her children's books.
- John Keddie: A Scottish Church leader and religious author.
- Vincent Keddie: An American musician and songwriter.
- George Keddie: A Scottish-born Australian architect of the late 19th and early 20th century, particularly known for his work in Queensland.