Does anyone know the of the Keeton family name?

Question:

Does anyone know the of the Keeton family name?

That was my birth father's name and I never knew him and was not close to his family so I have no idea as to what heritage it is or anything.I would like to know anything about that name.Thanks

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: While the name might have originated in England, that really tells you very little about your father or his family. In fact, surnames and genealogy have much less relevance than most people think, when they are starting research.
Since you use the term "was", does this mean he is no longer living? If that is accurate, and your birth certificate shows him as dad, then legally you are authorized to a copy of his death certificate, and social security file. You don't need legal authority to search for his obituary, or his parents, if they also are dead. Keep in mind.. regardless of his surname, he is also part of his mother's lineage and so on, as far back as traceable. Once you get to where the persons were born prior to 1930, you can also follow them back in census records (assuming you are in the US, which you did not state). Other types of records that are common to genealogy are tombstones, wills, land records, biographies (even the farmers show up in old county history books!)... you will be amazed.
While you might not choose to pursue his immediate family.. when you get back into the 1800's, it is very common to bump into more distant relatives, who are searching, and often willing to share what they have found. Friendly tip.. not all researchers care about 'good' research, so be sure to take time to learn about reliable documentation.
Stop over at www.rootsweb.com, and check out their guide to beginning research. Keeton
English: habitational name from a place called Ketton in Durham or one in Rutland or from Keaton in Ermington, Devon. The first is named from the Old English personal name Catta or the Old Norse personal name Káti + Old English tun ‘settlement’; the second is probably from an old river name or tribal name Cetan (possibly a derivative of Celtic ced ‘wood’) + Old English ea ‘river’; and the last possibly from Cornish kee ‘hedge’, ‘bank’ + Old English tun.

Place of
Origin Keeton Immigrants
England 12
Germany 6
Ireland 4
Great Britain 2