Kelly

Kelly is an originally Irish Gaelic name that was traditionally used for boys. However, in the English-speaking world, the name has established itself as a female first name since the 1970s. The origin of the name lies in the Irish surname O'Ceallaigh or the first name Ceallach.

What does the name Kelly mean?

The name Kelly has its roots in Irish Gaelic and was originally a boy's name. However, in the English-speaking world, it has been frequently given to girls since the 1970s. The meaning of the name is 'the descendant of Ceallach' as well as 'the warrior', 'the warlike', and 'the brave warrior'. The term derives from the Irish Gaelic word ceallach or ceallaigh, which means 'battle', 'war', 'strife', 'with a bright head', and 'with brilliant mind'. Another derivation is the Old Irish word ceall, which means 'church' or 'monastery', leading to the interpretation 'the churchgoer'. In Ireland, Kelly is primarily common as a surname and is among the most frequent family names. Alternatives to Kelly include Kellie, Kelley, Kely, Kellye, Celly, and Kelli.

Where does the name Kelly come from?

The name Kelly has an Old Irish and Gaelic origin and means 'the warrior'. The etymology consists of the Old Irish and Gaelic terms ceallach or ceallaigh, which mean 'battle', 'war', 'strife', 'with a bright head', and 'with brilliant mind'. The Old Irish and Gaelic word ceall stands for 'church' or 'monastery'. The languages used include English, Irish, and Scottish.

How do you pronounce Kelly?

The name Kelly is pronounced as two syllables with a clear accent. The sound sequence 'Kel-ly' [ˈkɛli] begins with a prominent hard k-sound that sets a clear accent. The bright i-sound at the end conveys freshness and lightness. Overall, this results in a lively and modern sound quality that feels friendly and rhythmic.

Popularity

In Germany, Kelly is among the popular first names and currently ranks 2,723rd on the list of the most common female first names. Its best placement was in 1995 at 328th. In the last ten years, Kelly has been given as a first name about 170 times, which means it ranks 1,751st in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, the name is in 1,545th place.

Nicknames & pet names

Elly / Gully / Jelly / Kay / Kel / Kelkel / Kell / Kellbell / Kelle / Kellinchen / Kellkell / Kellogs / Kells / Kellyfornia / Kellywelly / Key / KeyKey / Melly

Similar first names

Famous people

• Kelle (masonry tool)
• Kelly Bailey (character from the TV series 'Misfits')
• Kelly Bates (soccer player from Canada)
• Kelly Brianne Clarkson (American singer)
• Kelly Brook (model, actress)
• Kelly Bundy (character from 'Married... with Children')
• Kelly Burkhardt (character from the series 'Grimm')
• Kelly Candaele (Canadian film director)
• Kelly Clarkson (singer)
• Kelly Crean (American actress)
• Kelly Curtis (actress from the USA)
• Kelly Duda (American film director)
• Kelly Dullanty (American martial artist)
• Kelly Fairchild (Canadian ice hockey player)
• Kelly Family (band consisting of all 9 siblings of the Kelly Family)
• Kelly Gadea (French soccer player)
• Kelly Gay (American author)
• Kelly Gould (American actress)
• Kelly Gray (American guitarist)
• Kelly Hale (American author)