Keller History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Keller family emerged in the ancient duchy of Swabia, which was in the southwest of Germany. Before the late Middle Ages, German people were known only by a single name. However, as populations increased and people began to travel more, it became necessary to adopt a second name. Many people, such as the Keller family, adopted the name of their feudal occupation as their surname. The name Keller is derived from the Middle High German word “kelner,” which corresponds to the English occupation of steward. The kelner was the manager of the noble household.

Early Origins of the Keller family

The surname Keller was first found in Swabia, where the family contributed greatly to the development of an emerging nation and would later play a large role in the political conflicts of the area. The family branched into many houses, many of which acquired estates and manors throughout the surrounding regions, where they played significant roles in the social and political affairs. Individual bearers of this name first mentioned in ancient chronicles include Herman der Kelner (Keller) of Rottweil, Wuerttemberg, in 1314.