Keller is a surname of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "kelle," which means "tub" or "vat." It was originally an occupational name for a cooper, someone who made wooden barrels and tubs.
The name Keller first appeared in records during the late medieval period in Germany. One of the earliest known bearers of the surname was Peter Keller, who was born in Zurich, Switzerland in 1578. Since then, the name has spread throughout Europe and beyond, with notable occurrences in countries such as France, England, and the United States.
The meaning of Keller is not purely symbolic like many other surnames. It does not represent a particular personality trait or characteristic that is passed down through generations. Instead, it reflects the occupation of the original bearer's ancestor. However, this doesn't mean that people named Keller don't have their own unique personalities and characteristics.
Today, Keller is still predominantly found in German-speaking countries but has also become established as a given name in some English-speaking nations. It is often used as a middle or first name for boys and girls alike. Despite its origins as an occupational surname, Keller has evolved into a modern, unisex name that transcends its historical roots.
The name Keller has seen a significant increase in popularity over the years in the United States. While there were only 5 births each year from 1911 to 1917, the number of births began to fluctuate more noticeably starting in the 1920s.
In the following decades, the number of births with the name Keller ranged from a low of 5 (in several years) to a high of 8 in some years. However, it was not until the 1980s that we began to see a more consistent increase in popularity for this name.
From 1989 onwards, there were consistently more than 10 births each year with the name Keller. The highest number of births recorded was in 2005, with a total of 160 newborn Kellers across the United States.
Since then, the popularity of the name has continued to grow steadily, with over 100 births recorded every year from 2004 until at least 2023. This demonstrates that while Keller may not have been as popular in previous generations, it is now a well-established and widely chosen name for newborns in the United States.
Overall, since records began in 1911 up until 2023, there have been a total of 3516 births with the name Keller in the United States. This indicates that while Keller may not be one of the most common names, it is still a well-liked and significant choice for parents across many generations.