Surname Keville - Meaning and Origin

Keville: What does the surname Keville mean?

The last name Keville is most likely of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name O’ Caoimhille or O’ Caomhlaigh. Older variations of the spelling of this name have included O’Cavill, O’Caville, O’Cevil, O’Keaveny and O’Keveyll.

The surname dates back to Celtic times. O’ Caoimhille, which is the earliest known spelling of the name, is taken from the Gaelic word 'caoimh' meaning 'kind, gentle' as well as 'dear'. The name may have originally referred to someone who was kind and gentle in character or simply someone who was valued in their community.

The O’ Caoimhille family lived in the Connacht region of Ireland since ancient times. They were once a powerful family of Lords who controlled and defended their lands in the Barony of Leitrim in County Sligo, Ireland. They were very powerful in the area and the lands and titles associated with the family were eventually divided among them over time.

The surname Keville is still found in small numbers throughout Ireland where it has been in existence for centuries now. Keville is believed to have derived from the same roots as the original O'Caomhlaigh and O'Caoimhille. Whilst difficult to definitively trace its exact geographical origin in Ireland, it is likely that the surname was in existence in County Sligo.

Regardless of the geographical origin, the name Keville is a proud reminder of the historic Irish roots of its bearer and the family's longstanding connection to Ireland.

Keville: Where does the name Keville come from?

The last name Keville appears to be a fairly uncommon surname today. According to the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau, there were only 167 people with the name Keville in the United States in 2020. It also appears to be found most commonly in the Midwest and South, as the majority of people with the name Keville are living in Illinois, Indiana, South Carolina, and Missouri.

Although the exact origin of the last name Keville is unknown, records from the United States suggest that it was brought to the country by Irish immigrants in the 19th century. In Ireland, the name is believed to have derived from Mac Giolla Uidhilín, which was one of the Gaelic surnames of the Uí Fiachrach clan.

Outside of the United States, the name is much rarer. According to FamilySearch.org, there were only 25 people with the surname Keville recorded in the United Kingdom in 2018. And in Australia’s 2016 records, the name was even sparser with a mere seven occurrences.

Overall, the Keville surname appears to be extremely rare today. Those with the name can take comfort in knowing it likely originated from an Irish clan, and that their name is even rarer than they may have thought.

Variations of the surname Keville

The surname Keville is derived from a combination of two Gaelic words, "caomh" (meaning "dear") and "val," which means valley or vale. It was originally a name for someone who originally lived near or in a vale or valley.

Keville is the spelling most commonly used in Ireland, the UK, and the United States. Variants of this surname include Ceville, Kevil, Kaville, Kevall, Caeville, Kegvile, Keville, Kavyle, and Kevael.

In the United States, Kevil is the most common form, while in Ireland the spelling most often seen is Ceville. In the UK, it is more closely associated with the spelling Kevall.

In some cases, the spelling of Keville has also become associated with other surnames and spellings that have different origins. Some of these alternatives include Kivie, Kevy, Keavey, Kaviour, and Kevilla.

Overall, the surname Keville can be found in various variant and alternative forms, depending on the country. However, regardless of the form used, the name has its roots in the same origin and can be traced back to the same geographical location.

Famous people with the name Keville

• Morgan Keville: American television actress with roles on numerous television series and shows such as Scandal, The Middle, Once Upon a Time, Jane the Virgin, iZombie, and Dynasty
• Emmy Keville: a renowned jewelry designer from the UK
• Liam Keville: an Australian–Irish professional rugby league player who has represented both countries.
• Siobhan Keville: a fashion designer originally from Ireland who is well-known for her couture evening wear
• Ethan Keville: a professional skateboarder from France
• Monique Keville: a French mezzo-soprano, best known for her interpretations of the French Baroque repertoire
• John Keville: a prominent Irish actor known for his roles in films such as Newgrange, The Dancehall, and Anthony.
• Brendan Keville: a prominent Irish lawyer and politician currently serving as the leader of the Irish Labour Party.
• James Keville: an American journalist and editor, currently serving as the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic.
• Aidan Keville: an Irish businessman and philanthropist, formerly serving as the CEO of the Irish trade association IBEC.

Other surnames

Kevil