Save Type Surname (from nickname) Usage German Pronounced Pron. KIE-zu [key·IPA] Meaning & HistoryExpand Links From Middle High German keiser meaning "emperor", originally a nickname applied to someone who acted kingly. The title ultimately derives from the Roman name Caesar. Related NamesDetails Other Languages & CulturesCsászár(Hungarian) Categories brand names, ends in -er, German words, isograms, leadership, nicknames, noble titles