Kelly
Irish · Girl · 2 syllables
Popularity & facts
Relative popularity index, 2010–2025Popularity over time
Popularity indexHistorical popularity from 1880–2025 · US Social Security Administration data
About the name Kelly
Kelly derives from the Irish surname Ó Ceallaigh, meaning "descendant of Ceallach," where Ceallach means "bright-headed" or "warrior" from Old Irish roots.
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Etymology
Kelly derives from the Irish surname Ó Ceallaigh, meaning "descendant of Ceallach," where Ceallach means "bright-headed" or "warrior" from Old Irish roots. The name is primarily used in English-speaking cultures with strong Irish heritage, and gained widespread popularity in the United States and other Anglophone countries during the 20th century.
Kelly currently ranks #852 in the United States as a girl's name. It reached its peak popularity around 1977.
Variants & nicknames
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Sibling name ideas
Irish, English names that sit beautifully beside KellySimilar names you might like
Names starting with KMore names starting with K
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- Kaarina
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- Kaci
- Kade
- Kaden
- Kacey
- Kaila
- Kaelan
- Kadie
- Kaelah
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