Kelly
k(el)-ly
US Popularity:1228
Origin:Irish
Meaning:Descendant of Ceallach; Bright-headed; War, strife; One who frequents churches
Kelly is a gender-neutral baby name of Irish origin. Meaning "descendent of Ceallach" this name is packed with history and mystery alike. Kelly is an Anglicized name of the family name Ó Ceallaigh. Still a widely popular surname on the Emerald Isle, it remains the second most common there and 836th most common in the world! This family name still runs on as a first name, too, and can mean "bright-headed," "war," "strife," or "Oone who frequents churches." Whether baby has Irish roots or not, with a name like Kelly, the path ahead will be bright as the sun.
Famous People Named Kelly
Wondering who else shares this name? Check out these well known people who made this baby name famous.
- Scott KellyAstronaut
Kelly Name Popularity Data
The Bump Ranking
Overall:Kelly is currently #1310 on The Bump
Boy:Kelly is currently #953 on The Bump Boy Names
Girl:Kelly is currently #707 on The Bump Girl Names
U.S. Births
Overall:Kelly is currently #1228 in U.S. births
Boy:Kelly is currently #3217 in U.S. births
Girl:Kelly is currently #1554 in U.S. births
Yearly Ranking Change:
Year:
2022
Gender:
Girl
#1554
in 2022
+ 69
from 2021
Sources
WordSense, Kelly
Online Etymology Dictionary, Kelly, October 2017
Ancestry, Kelly Family History
SurnameDB, Last name: Kelly
Behind the Name, Ceallach, June 2023
Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial process.
Was this page helpful?
Yes
No
Not sure you have the perfect name? Search to add more baby names to your My Favorites list.
Article saved.Go to My Saved Articles
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List