Kelly - girls name

Kelly name popularity, meaning and origin

Name Popularity: 73%

Kelly name meaning:

The name Kelly is derived from the Irish surname Ó Ceallaigh, meaning "descendant of Ceallach." Ceallach is derived from the Gaelic word "ceall," meaning "war" or "strife." This suggests that the name Kelly may be associated with strength, bravery, and power. In addition to its Irish roots, the name Kelly has become popular in English-speaking countries as a given name for girls.

As a name, Kelly carries a sense of femininity and grace. It is often associated with individuals who are confident, assertive, and independent. The name Kelly has been used for both girls and boys, but it gained significant popularity as a girl's name in the mid-20th century. It has since become a timeless and versatile name, fitting for girls of all ages.

Overall, the name Kelly represents a rich Irish heritage while also embodying qualities of strength, femininity, and independence. It is a name that has stood the test of time and remains a popular choice for parents seeking a name with a strong yet elegant appeal for their daughters.

Origin: German

Farm by the spring.

Categories

Unisex names

Related names

Kelly , Kaley, Keeley , Keelyn, Keilah, Kelli, Kellie

Other girls names beginning with K

Statistics

Overall UK ranking: 1505 out of 5581

20 recorded births last year

Change in rank

  • 10yrs

    -853
  • 5yrs

    -550
  • 1yr

    -153

    Regional popularity

    Ranking for this name in various UK regions

  • Scotland (1010)

Historical popularity of Kelly

The graph below shows the popularity of the girls's name Kelly from all the UK baby name statistics available. It's a quick easy way to see the trend for Kelly in 2024