Find out how popular the first name Keller has been for the last 49 years (from 1975 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Keller by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Keller is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 89% of people named Keller being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 104 male babies and 16 female babies born with the name Keller.

The history of the first name Keller

The name Keller finds its origins in the German language, where it was originally an occupational surname derived from the German word "Keller," meaning "cellar" or "vault." The name likely emerged during the Middle Ages, when it was used to identify individuals whose profession involved working in or maintaining cellars.

In its earliest recorded usage, the name Keller appeared in various German and Swiss historical documents from the 13th century onwards. It was often associated with individuals who worked as cellarers, wine merchants, or those responsible for storing and managing goods in cellars or underground vaults.

One of the earliest known historical figures with the name Keller was Johannes Keller, a Swiss monk and chronicler who lived in the 15th century. He is best known for his work, "Chronik der Abtei St. Gallen," which provided valuable insights into the history of the Abbey of St. Gall in Switzerland.

During the Renaissance period, the name Keller gained further prominence with individuals such as Christoph Keller, a German mathematician and astronomer born in 1637. He made significant contributions to the field of astronomy and is particularly known for his work on the theory of planetary motion.

In the 19th century, Helen Keller (1880-1968), an American author and disability rights advocate, became one of the most famous individuals to bear the name Keller. Despite being born deaf and blind, she overcame numerous challenges and became a prominent figure in the fight for the rights of people with disabilities.

Another notable individual with the name Keller was Hans Keller (1919-1985), an Austrian-born British music critic and writer. He was highly influential in the field of music criticism and is remembered for his insightful analyses of various composers and their works.

The name Keller has also been associated with several other historical figures, including Arthur Keller (1867-1924), a German-American landscape painter known for his works depicting the American West, and Otto Keller (1838-1915), a Swiss engineer and pioneer in the field of railway construction.

While the name Keller originated as an occupational surname, it has since transcended its initial meaning and has been adopted as a given name in various cultures and regions around the world. Its historical significance lies in its connection to professions involving cellars and vaults, as well as the notable individuals who have carried this name throughout history.

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 Keller was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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