Keils

Keils is a surname of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word keil, meaning wedge, and likely originated as an occupational nickname for a wedge maker or as a topographic or descriptive name for someone living near a wedge-shaped piece of land or feature. The form Keils appears in records as a plural or possessive rendering of Keil and may reflect regional spelling variations. Related spellings include Keil and Kiel, while English-language records sometimes show the variant Keels, which may represent a separate lineage or a phonetic adaptation.

In terms of distribution, Keils is found most commonly in German-speaking areas and among descendants in North America and other countries with German immigration. Genealogical sources note that bearers of the name may have migrated during various waves of migration, including the 18th and 19th centuries.

Notable bearers: There are individuals with the surname Keils who have contributed in fields such as academia, sports, and the arts, but no single figure dominates the name in public records. The surname can appear in historical documents, census records, and civil registrations in Germany and abroad.