NORFOLK SURNAMES: K

KETT:
This is specifically a Norfolk name and is a variation of the name Kite (often found in the Midlands). It comes from the bird of the prey, the kite, which in middle English was kete, and at one time signified a fierce or rapacious person. Variations include K(e)yte, Keight, Keet, Keat(e) and the patronymics Kites, Ketts, Keate(e)s and Keating.
In the 1881 census for Norfolk there were 171 examples of the name Kett or close variant.
The International Genealogical Index for Norfolk shows 2798 references to people with the name of Kett or one of its variants. The earliest dates back to 1425.

SURNAME DIRECTORY: A B C D E F G H I J K N P R S T

Click the letter to see some examples of surnames, their meanings and distribution in Norfolk.