This most interesting surname is of Scottish origin, and is a locational name from the lands of Kelt, near Denny, in Stirling in Scotland. This placename may have derived from the Old Norse word "keld", a spring, also found in "Threlkeld". In some instances, the name may be of German origin, deriving from the Germanic "Kelt", Celt, a nickname given to a Celt. The surname is also found as Kelt, Keld and Kield in the modern idiom. The first recorded namebearer (see below) witnessed a lease by Alexander, commentator of Inchaffray in 1521, and is witnessed to another lease by Gauine, Archbishop of Glasgow in 1544, according to the "Charters Bulls and other Documents relating to the Abbey of Inchaffray". Jane Keld married Edward Harman on November 4th, 1599 at the Church of St. Dionis, Backchurch, London. Maria Lisabeth Kielt married Detrich Groene on October 17th 1693 at Falkenhagen, Lippe (Germany). One Robert Keld appears in Dunblane in 1669, while Janet Kelt is recorded in Whitefield in 1744, both in Scotland. Hugh Kielt married Mary McBride on October 29th 1861 at Shettleston, Lanark. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Vilelmus Keth, which was dated 1521, The Charters, Bulls and other Documents relating to the Abbey of Inchaffray, during the reign of King James V, Ruler of Scotland, 1513 - 1542. 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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