National Keith Day is a special celebration dedicated to honoring individuals named Keith and recognizing the cultural significance of this name of Scottish origin, meaning “wood” or “forest.”
Quick Facts
When is it?: November 7th annually
Tagged as: Name celebration, Cultural holiday
What’s the hashtag?: #NationalKeithDay
When was it founded?: 1965
Who founded it?: A group of Keith enthusiasts
History
The name Keith originated in Scotland during the early 19th century, initially used as a surname derived from the Gaelic word ‘Ceiteach.’ The celebration began in 1965 when enthusiasts decided to create a special day to honor people bearing this name. The name gained significant popularity in the United States during the 1940s and 1950s.
Timeline
• 1923: Keith becomes established as a given name for boys
• 1940s: Name reaches peak popularity in the United States
• 1960s: Cultural impact grows with famous Keiths like Keith Richards
• 1965: National Keith Day officially established
• 1970s: Name gains further recognition through popular culture
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | November | 7 | Thursday |
| 2025 | November | 7 | Friday |
| 2026 | November | 7 | Saturday |
| 2027 | November | 7 | Sunday |
How It’s Observed
People celebrate by honoring the Keiths in their lives, sharing stories about famous Keiths, and organizing gatherings to celebrate those who bear the name.
Fun Facts About Keith
• The name has Norse origins meaning “wood” or “forest”
• It was originally a Scottish surname before becoming a given name
• Peaked in popularity during the mid-20th century
• Associated with many famous musicians and actors
Quiz
- What is the original meaning of Keith?
- In which country did the name originate?
- When did Keith become popular as a given name?
(Answers: 1. Wood or forest, 2. Scotland, 3. 1923)
FAQs
Q: Why was November 7th chosen?
A: The date was selected by the original founders to commemorate the name.
Q: Is it celebrated internationally?
A: While primarily observed in English-speaking countries, anyone can participate.
Related Celebrations
• National Name Day
• Scottish Heritage Day
• Cultural Appreciation Day
• Surname Celebration Day
• Heritage Recognition Day