Keith
Keith comes from a Scottish place name — the Gaelic "coit," meaning wood or forest. The name began as a Scottish surname referring to someone from such a place. As a first name, Keith is essentially modern — it became popular in the early 20th century, partly in honor of Scottish roots. Keith was a top-100 American name from 1945 to 1985, peaking at #59 in 1965. Keith (the artist Keith Haring, 1958-1990, whose graffiti-inspired art defined 1980s New York) is the most famous American bearer. Keith (the musician Keith Richards, born 1943, the Rolling Stones guitarist) gave the name a rock-and-roll charge. Keith (the actor Keith Ledger, born 1979 — wait, that's incorrect; Heath Ledger was the actor, not Keith). I find Keith has a brisk, slightly mid-century quality — the single syllable is direct, and the "K" opening is firm. The "th" ending gives it an archaic English texture. Keith has been outside the US top 500 since 2015. Keith is a male name of Scottish (place name) origin that means "Wood, forest (from Cith)". Brisk, mid-century, and a little rock-and-roll. The name sounds direct. Keiths tend to be confident. US peaked #59 in 1965. Outside top 500 since 2015. Well-known people named Keith include Keith Haring (artist), Keith Richards (musician), Keith (Scottish place name), Keith (fictional, various). Common variations and related forms of Keith include Keithe (variant), Keifer (related), Keif (variant), Keit (variant).