Boy Name · Scottish Origin
Keith
Pick up any 2026 baby-name shortlist and Keith is almost certainly on it. The name's literal sense — "Wood, forest" — is the kind of small story a child grows into rather than out of. The Scottish roots give Keith a cultural lineage that long predates its modern revival. Our reviewers flagged Keith as a strong "first introduction" name: it teaches and reads cleanly in print, on a name tag, and over the phone.
Popularity-wise, Keith lives in the top 250 on the latest SSA charts — a popular pick that still feels personal. Compared with names of similar style, Keith has held its rank more consistently — a quiet sign of long-term durability. Stylistically it reads clean and unfussy, equally workable in a board meeting or a kindergarten roll call. If Kieth is already on your list, Keith belongs in the same conversation; the sections below dig into pronunciation, nicknames, and sibling fits.
Keith meaning, origin, and usage
Meaning: Wood, forest
Origin: Scottish naming roots help connect Keith to related Scottish baby names.
Pronunciation: Baby Name Studio pronounces Keith as K·E·I·T·H, with 5 letters and a boy usage profile.
Popularity: According to Baby Name Studio's 2026 tracker, Keith is a popular favorite that still feels personal in the Top 250 tier.
Keith variants, nicknames, middle names, and sibling names
- Variants and spelling ideas: Keitha, Keithe, Keithy, Keit.
- Nicknames: Kei and K.
- Middle names: Pair Keith with a middle name that balances its substantial sound; start with the Keith middle name generator.
- Sibling names: Kieth, Keitha, Kathy, Kathi, Katie — full picks on the sibling names for Keith guide for a cohesive sibset.
- Similar names: Looking for names that sound like Keith? Browse our names like Keith guide for phonetic-neighbor picks.
- Explore more: use the Baby Name Explorer, name search, AI name generator, and Baby Name Studio homepage.
Frequently asked about Keith
What does the name Keith mean?
Keith means "Wood, forest" and is of Scottish origin.
What is the origin of Keith?
Keith originates in Scottish naming tradition.
How do you pronounce Keith?
Keith has 5 letters and is most commonly stressed on the first syllable.
Is Keith a boy's or girl's name?
Keith is primarily used as a boy's name in US records.
How popular is Keith in 2026?
In our 2026 popularity tracker, Keith sits in the Top 250 tier — a popular favorite that still feels personal.
What names are similar to Keith?
Names that share Keith's sound and style include Kieth, Keitha, Kathy, Kathi, Katie.
What middle names pair well with Keith?
Good middle-name fits for Keith pair an opposite syllable rhythm: if Keith is short, lean longer (e.g. classical or three-syllable middles); if Keith is longer, a one-syllable middle keeps the full name from feeling heavy.
What are good sibling names for Keith?
Sibling names that pair naturally with Keith share its rhythm without rhyming — Kieth, Keitha, Kathy all sit comfortably alongside it on a shortlist.