Find out how popular the first name Kees has been for the last 38 years (from 1985 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kees by gender

Based on the last 38 years of data, Kees is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Kees.

The history of the first name Kees

The name Kees is a Dutch diminutive form of the name Cornelius, which is derived from the Roman family name Cornelius. Cornelius is believed to have originated from the Latin word "cornu," meaning "horn," which may have been a nickname referring to someone with a prominent nose or a metaphorical reference to strength or vigor.

The name Cornelius has a long history, dating back to ancient Rome. It was a popular name among the Roman aristocracy, and several notable individuals bore this name, including the Roman general Cornelius Scipio Africanus, who defeated Hannibal in the Second Punic War.

The diminutive form Kees emerged in the Netherlands during the Middle Ages. It was a common practice to create diminutive forms of names as terms of endearment or familiarity. Kees became a popular name in its own right and was used across the Netherlands and Dutch-speaking regions.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kees can be found in the 15th century, when a Dutch painter named Kees van der Goes was active. Another notable figure from the same period was Kees van Oostzanen, a Dutch nobleman who played a significant role in the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule in the late 16th century.

In the 17th century, the Dutch Golden Age, the name Kees was associated with several prominent figures in the arts and sciences. Kees Vermeer, better known as Johannes Vermeer, was a renowned Dutch painter famous for his masterpieces like "Girl with a Pearl Earring" (1665) and "The Milkmaid" (1658-1660).

During the 18th century, Kees Emilius Backer was a Dutch artist known for his portraits and genre paintings. He was born in 1738 and lived until 1804.

In the 19th century, Kees Doorman was a Dutch naval officer who became a national hero for his actions during the Battle of the Java Sea in 1942. He was born in 1879 and died in the battle in 1942.

Moving into the 20th century, Kees van Dongen was a Dutch painter and one of the leading figures of the Fauvism movement. He was born in 1877 and lived until 1968.

These are just a few examples of individuals who have borne the name Kees throughout history, reflecting its enduring presence in Dutch culture and its association with various fields, including art, literature, military, and politics.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Kees was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Kees, please contact us.

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