The name derives from 'Kipe weir', meaning a weir with a fish trap, and the convenience of being close to a source of fish (a major part of the monastic diet) may have influenced the location of the hospital.
Kepier was also the site of a medieval corn mill, which continued in use until its destruction by fire on September 24, 1870 caused by a spark from the grinding of the stone millwheels. The mill was never rebuilt; only a stone arch over the remnant of the mill race remains.