Surname Kelsaw - Meaning and Origin

Kelsaw: What does the surname Kelsaw mean?

Kelsaw is an English-origin last name, implying that the original bearer of the name may have originated from the British Isles. The name could derive from an anglicized form of old Celtic names such as “Ceolswith” and “Ceolsweard” which both incorporated the element “ceol”, meaning “ship”. Thus the name could mean “guardian of the ship”. It could also have originated from Celso, an Italian name meaning “noble” or “brave”.

The name Kelsaw is uncommon; among the United States population as of the 2000 census there were only approximately 600 people with the surname. Most of the people with the name live in the American Midwest, with the greatest population in Ohio.

Kelsaw also appears as a place name in several locations including a village in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, an Island in the West Indies, and a neighborhood in San Francisco, California.

The surname Kelsaw is associated with an adventurous spirit and an affinity for exploration. Whether it’s sailing across the seas, traveling for work, or journeying for the purpose of learning and experiencing new cultures, those carrying the surname today are likely to retain the same enthusiasm for life.

Kelsaw: Where does the name Kelsaw come from?

The last name Kelsaw is most common in parts of the United States, particularly in the Midwest and South. The highest concentrations of the last name are found in predominantly rural areas, including Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, and Mississippi.

The origin of the name is unclear. It could be derived from the Old English words cealr (strength or able) and sceaga (wood or branch), resulting in "strong branch" or "able branch". It could also be associated with Kelso, a name that was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries for villages in parts of Britain, Ireland, and Scotland.

The Kelsaw surname was first recorded in the US in the mid-18th century, when it was brought over in small numbers by sentinels and pilgrims. The original spelling of the name was Celsew, but it was eventually changed to Kelsaw.

Today, the surname is associated with people of multiple backgrounds—including Native American, White, and African American. But it is relatively rare. At the time of the 2020 US census, it ranked 15,456th. That means it’s far from a common name, but those who bear it have the distinction of leaning into a historic and unique surname.

Variations of the surname Kelsaw

Kelsaw is an English surname derived from the Old English pre-7th century word ‘ceosan’ which means to ‘choose’. This surname is believed to have initially derived from an ancestor who was known to be active in decision-making or a leader of some kind.

Variants of the surname Kelsaw include Kelso, Kellso, Kealso, Kelsoe, Kelsow, Kelcey, Kelsay, Kelsea, Kellea, Kelser, Kelsay, and more. Spellings of the surname may include Kelsey, Kelsy, Kelcie, Kelsie, Kelsiee, and Kelsye.

Surnames of the same origin as Kelsaw include Kelch, Kelcher, Keleher, Kelleher, Kelcher, Kellagher, Kellaher, Kelleher, Kellett, Keller, Kellar, Kelecz, Kelecy, Kelsch, Kellsey, and Kellas.

Overall, Kelsaw is a fairly rare surname which has a variety of spellings and alternate surnames of the same origin. These variations found throughout the English language can make tracing the family’s roots back to their original spelling tricky. As such, it’s important to be aware of all possible spelling variations and other surnames derived from the same origin.

Famous people with the name Kelsaw

• Kelsaw Santa Izidora Moner (born 2002), an American actress, singer and dancer
• Tom Kelsaw (born 1985), an American former professional football player
• Madison Kelsaw (born 1988), an American actor and model
• Joe Kelsaw (born 1943), an American former professional baseball player
• Danyell Kelsaw (born 1975), an American former professional football player
• Brendan Kelsaw (born 1993), a former professional hockey player
• Sharief Kelsaw (born 1991), an American professional basketball player
• Joe Kelsaw (born 1981), an American professional golfer
• Richard Kelsaw (born 1950), an acclaimed English painter
• Francis Kelsaw (1773–1839), a British Member of Parliament

Other surnames

KelsaleKelsallKelsay