Save Gender Masculine Usage English (American) Pronounced Pron. Key-el(American English) KEEL(American English) [key] Other Forms FormsKeyel, Keele, Kiehl, Keel, Keil Meaning & History Sometimes a nickname for Ezekiel. Also is a German word meaning "keel (of a boat)", a surname, and the name of a city which is sometimes used as a given name. The name Kiel came into more popular use to to the actor Kiel Martin.