Surname Kaireitis - Meaning and Origin

Kaireitis: What does the surname Kaireitis mean?

The last name Kaireitis is derived from the Lithuanian word “kairi”, meaning “left” or “left hand”. The suffix “-itis” added at the end of the name suggests its origin is of a patronymic nature, indicating a familial connection.

The geographical origin of the surname is uncertain, however some sources suggest it originates from Lithuania or Estonia, where the variants Kaeraytis or Kairaytis are quite common. The name is also strongly linked to the Finland region, as the variant Kaaraytys can be found throughout the country.

Given the prefix “kair-”, a derivative of “left,” a possible origin story of the name could be from one of the areas that practiced left-handedness, indicating a preference or encouragement of this specific trait. Alternatively, it may represent a physical feature, apart from handedness, such as a left eye or hand that distinguished the original bearer of the name from others in the same area.

No matter the origin, the last name Kaireitis is a proud family tradition that will continue for generations thanks to its firm ties to the name “Kairi” and its patronymic suffix.

Kaireitis: Where does the name Kaireitis come from?

The last name Kaireitis is most commonly found in Lithuania and Latvia, two countries in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It has been also found in other countries like Poland, the United States, Canada, Germany, and Austria.

The majority of Kaireitises in Lithuania are of the noble family of the same name, first recorded in 1545. The family originated from the small settlement of Kaireitai near Kretinga on Lithuania's western coast. The settlement was first mentioned in 1352 in association with the local noble family.

The origin of the surname is uncertain. It may be derived from the Lithuanian word kairas, meaning “left”, as the family lived on the left side of the Samogitian River; or from the Roman god of war, Mars, as the Kaireitises served with the knights of the Teutonic Order during the Crusades.

In the United States, the surname Kaireitis has its earliest records tracing back to the mid-19th century. Those immigrants left Lithuania presumably for economic betterment following the dissolution of the Russian Empire in 1815.

In addition to the Baltic countries, Kaireitis is also commonly found in Russia, Finland and Belarus.

Today, the Kaireitis surname is held by more than 7,000 individuals located in the Baltic region and other countries. It is a fairly uncommon name, although its presence is still strong and respected in Lithuania and Latvia.

Variations of the surname Kaireitis

Variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Kaireitis include Kaireit, Kaireite, Kaireitiss, Kairet, Kairets, Kaires, Kaitaitis, Kaitas, Kaits, Kaitė, Kaití, Kaitotás, Kaçe, KyClearlyise, Kyrilis, and Kyrylyz.

Kaireitis is a Lithuanian surname deriving from the word kaire, which translates to ‘left’ in English. It is commonly found in western, central, and northern Lithuania, as well as in Latvia and adjacent areas of Russia. The name was likely given to someone who lived on the left side of the village or near a particular geographic landmark.

Kaireit was an alternative spelling of the surname, which was more traditionally used in western Lithuania. Kaireitiss was a more modernized version of the name, which meant ‘son of Kaireit’. Similarly, Kairet was another adaptation of the name, which indicated the presence of a father with the same name. Kaitaitis, Kaitas, Kaits, Kaitė, Kaití, and Kaitotás were other variations of the Kaireitis surname that offered an alternative spelling to the root word.

KyClearlyise, Kyrilis, and Kyrylyz were the most common alterations of the Kaireitis surname. These names were derived from the Greek name Kyrillos, meaning ‘lord’ or ‘master’. While this adaptation of the original surname was linked to Christianity, it is not known how it became a reference point for the Kaireitis name. Lastly, Kaçe was the Turkish translation of the surname, suggesting that this name is widely found amongst Turkish communities.

Famous people with the name Kaireitis

• Algirdas Kaireitis: philosopher, theologian, and signatory of the 1990 Act of the Re-Establishment of the State of Lithuania.
• Arturs Kaireitis: Latvian footballer.
• Maris Kaireitis: Latvian politician, Member of the 13th Saeima.
• Julius Kaireitis: Lithuanian diplomat and the longest-serving foreign minister of independent Lithuania.
• Mindaugas Kaireitis: Lithuanian industrialist, medical doctor, and benefactor.
• Tomas Kaireitis: Lithuanian footballer.
• Romualdas Kaireitis: Lithuanian theatre director and professor.
• Jurate Kaireitienė: Lithuanian artist and art critic.
• Nerijus Kaireitis: Lithuanian public figure and the Chairman of the Tribunal of the Pro Patria Union.
• Erika Kaireitis: Latvian artist.

Other surnames

Kaireit