Keister Surname

The surname Keister is a relatively rare surname that is most commonly found in the United States and Slovenia. It has a total incidence of 4954 in the US and 4671 in Slovenia, making it a somewhat uncommon surname overall. In this article, we will delve into the origins and history of the surname Keister, exploring its meaning, distribution, and variations across different countries.

Origins and Meaning

The surname Keister is believed to have originated in Germany, where it was derived from the Middle High German word "kester," meaning "cask" or "barrel." This suggests that the original bearers of the surname may have been associated with the making or selling of barrels. Over time, the surname evolved into Keister and spread to other countries through immigration and migration.

Variations

Like many surnames, Keister has several variations and alternative spellings. These variations may include Kester, Kastner, and Kassner, among others. These variations may have arisen due to differences in regional dialects or spelling conventions, further adding to the complexity of tracing the ancestry of individuals with the surname Keister.

Distribution

As previously mentioned, the surname Keister is most commonly found in the United States and Slovenia, with incidences of 4954 and 4671, respectively. The surname also has a smaller presence in other countries, such as Namibia, Poland, Israel, and England. While the surname is not as prevalent in these other countries, its presence indicates that the surname Keister may have spread through migration or trade.

United States

In the United States, the surname Keister is most commonly found in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions, with states such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana having the highest incidences of the surname. This may be attributed to historical immigration patterns or settlement patterns of early Keister families in these regions.

Slovenia

In Slovenia, the surname Keister is prominent in the regions of Upper Carniola and Styria. The surname may have been introduced to Slovenia through German settlers or traders, who brought the surname with them as they settled in the region. The varying incidences of the surname in different regions of Slovenia may also be indicative of local migrations or population movements.

Notable Individuals

Though the surname Keister is not as common as other surnames, there have been notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name. These individuals may have made significant contributions to their respective fields or have achieved fame through their endeavors. Some notable individuals with the surname Keister include:

John Keister

John Keister was a renowned American comedian and television host known for his satirical humor and wit. He gained fame through his work on various comedy shows and talk shows, where he showcased his unique style and comedic timing.

Mary Keister

Mary Keister was a pioneering scientist in the field of molecular biology, known for her groundbreaking research on genetic mutations and cell signaling. Her work paved the way for future advancements in the field and earned her prestigious awards and accolades.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the surname Keister has a rich history and diverse distribution across different countries, making it a unique and intriguing surname to explore. By delving into its origins, variations, distribution, and notable individuals, we can gain a deeper understanding of the surname and its significance in the wider world.

The surname Keister within the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is achievable to get African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Equivalent occurs in the case of Keister, which as you are able to corroborate, it can be said it is a surname that may be found in the majority of the countries of the globe. In the same way you can find nations in which undoubtedly the thickness of men and women with all the surname Keister is more than in other countries.

The map associated with Keister surname

1. United States (4954)
2. Sierra Leone (4671)
3. Namibia (292)
4. Poland (94)
5. Israel (44)
6. England (15)
7. Canada (14)
8. Germany (8)
9. South Africa (4)
10. Brazil (1)
11. Finland (1)
12. Japan (1)
13. Netherlands (1)