Kehoe, Keyho, Keyhoe and Kew are all locational names from a lost town "Caieu", originally in the vicinity of Boulogne-sur-Mer (North West France). The town has been recorded under the various spellings Cahu, Kaeu, Kaio, Kayhou and Keu. The name, oddly enough, appears to be more popular in Ireland where it dates probably from Strongbow's invasion of 1170. It is chiefly found in the province of Leinster, the spelling Kehoe being usual in Co. Wexford. Mackeogh, O'Hoey, Hay, Haughey and Hough are further forms of the name. The present Taoiseach of the Republic of Ireland, Charles Haughey, being a name bearer. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Robert de Kaiho. which was dated 1195, known as "The Pipe Rolls of Buckinghamshire". during the reign of Richard 1, known as "Richard the Lionheart" 1189 - 1199. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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