Find out how popular the first name Key has been for the last 48 years (from 1977 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Key by gender

Based on the last 48 years of data, Key is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 96% of people named Key being male.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Key.

The history of the first name Key

The given name Key has its origins rooted in the Old English language, derived from the word "caeg," which means "key" in modern English. This connection suggests that the name may have initially been associated with professions or roles involving keys, such as locksmiths or gatekeepers.

The earliest recorded use of the name Key dates back to the 13th century in England, where it was primarily used as a surname before transitioning into a given name. One of the earliest documented individuals bearing this name was Sir Key de Ford, a knight who lived in the late 13th century.

In the 16th century, the name gained popularity among Puritans, who often chose names with biblical or religious connotations. The name Key could have been inspired by the biblical reference to Christ as the "key of David" (Revelation 3:7), symbolizing his authority and power.

One notable historical figure with the name Key was Francis Scott Key (1779-1843), an American lawyer and author renowned for writing the lyrics to "The Star-Spangled Banner," the national anthem of the United States. He witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812, which inspired him to pen the iconic poem that later became the anthem.

Another influential individual named Key was Keyes Metcalf (1889-1983), an American librarian and educator who played a significant role in developing and modernizing library science practices. He served as the director of the Harvard College Library and was a pioneer in library automation and information management.

In the realm of literature, Key Sargent (1911-1996) was an American author and journalist known for her historical novels and short stories set in the American West. Her works, such as "The Trail of the Goldseekers" and "The Dowry of Miss Cece," explored themes of frontier life and the experiences of pioneer women.

The name Key has also been associated with notable figures in the world of sports. Key Yeutter (1882-1964) was an American baseball player who played as a shortstop for various Major League Baseball teams, including the St. Louis Browns and the Boston Red Sox, in the early 20th century.

Another prominent figure bearing the name Key was Key Pittman (1872-1940), a United States Senator from Nevada who served from 1913 to 1940. He played a crucial role in the ratification of the 20th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which established the beginning and ending dates for the terms of elected federal officials.

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

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

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