Meaning, origin, history
Kelly is a name of Irish origin and means "bright-headed". It has been used as both a feminine and masculine given name in Ireland for centuries. The name is derived from the Gaelic word "ceallach", which translates to bright-headed or wise. In medieval times, Kelly was primarily used as a boy's name, but it began to be used more frequently for girls in the 19th century. Today, Kelly is considered a unisex name and is popular among English-speaking countries around the world. Some notable individuals with the name Kelly include American actresses Kelly Preston and Kelly Ripa, as well as Irish singer-songwriter Kelly Clarkson.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Kelly since 1880
Total births
82,204
Total since 1880
Peak year
1967
3,093 births
in 2023
93
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+19%
↗
vs previous 5 years