Keyse

The surname Keyse originated in England, with the earliest known records dating back to the 13th century. It is believed to have derived from the Old English word "cæge," meaning "key," which may have been an occupational name for a locksmith or someone who held the keys to a castle or important building.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Hundred Rolls of Bedfordshire in 1273, where it appears as "Johannes Keyse." This suggests that the name was already well-established in England by that time.

The name Keyse is also found in various medieval records, including the Feet of Fines for Essex in 1310, where it appears as "John Keyse." This document records a legal agreement involving land or property ownership, indicating that individuals with this surname were part of the landed gentry or held property during that period.

In the 14th century, the name appears in the Poll Tax Returns of Yorkshire in 1379, where it is recorded as "Willelmus Keyes." This tax record provides valuable information about the distribution and prevalence of the name in different regions of England during that time.

One notable individual with the surname Keyse was Sir Robert Keyse, a knight who lived in the 15th century. He is mentioned in the Calendar of Patent Rolls from 1461, which records his involvement in various legal and administrative matters related to land ownership and titles.

Another historical figure bearing this name was Thomas Keyse, who was born in Lincolnshire, England, in 1555. He was a prominent clergyman and served as the rector of St. Mary-le-Bow Church in London during the late 16th and early 17th centuries.

In the 17th century, the name appears in various parish records and church registers, indicating its continued presence in England. One notable example is William Keyse, who was born in Oxfordshire in 1632 and served as a member of Parliament for the borough of Taunton in Somerset during the 1660s.

The surname Keyse also has connections to various place names in England, such as Keyse Farm in Oxfordshire and Keyse's Cottages in Hertfordshire. These place names likely originated from individuals bearing the surname who owned or resided in those locations.

Throughout its history, the surname Keyse has been spelled in various ways, including Keyes, Keys, and Keyse. However, the spelling "Keyse" appears to be the most consistent and historically accurate representation of the name's origins.