Kelly
Kelly is an Irish name derived from the Gaelic surname Ó Ceallaigh, meaning 'descendant of Ceallach' or 'bright-headed' and 'warrior.' Originally a surname and traditionally masculine, it became widely used as a given name for girls in the mid-20th century.
Current Popularity
#868 for girls
in the United States (2024)
Popularity over time
Good to Know
- •Easy to spell and pronounce across most English-speaking countries
- •Works well in professional settings while maintaining a friendly feel
- •Has strong Irish heritage if cultural connection is important
- •Can be spelled multiple ways (Kelly, Kellie, Kelley)
- •Multiple spelling variations exist
Similar Names
Famous People
Kelly Clarkson
Singer and talk show host
Kelly Ripa
Television host and actress
Kelly Rowland
Singer and actress
Kelly Reilly
Actress
Statistics
473,641
Total births since 1880
1977
Peak year
Discovery
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