Kelly
Kelly is an Irish name derived from the Gaelic surname Ó Ceallaigh, meaning 'descendant of Ceallach,' which translates to 'bright-headed' or 'warrior.' Originally a popular Irish surname, it transitioned to a given name in the 20th century.
Current Popularity
#1881 for boys
in the United States (2025)
Popularity over time
Good to Know
- •More commonly used as a female name in recent decades, though historically unisex
- •Easy to spell and pronounce across different cultures
- •Strong Irish heritage appeal
- •The surname Kelly remains one of the most common Irish surnames worldwide
- •Multiple spelling variations exist
Similar Names
Famous People
Kelly Slater
Professional surfer and 11-time world champion
Kelly Jones
Lead singer of Stereophonics
Kelly Johnson
Legendary aerospace engineer
Kelly Tripucka
Former NBA basketball player
Statistics
82,400
Total births since 1880
1967
Peak year
Discovery
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