Kelso is a unique and distinctive given name of Scottish origin. The name is derived from the Scottish surname "Kelsay," which is believed to have originated from the lands of Kelsay in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
The meaning behind the name Kelso is not explicitly clear, but it is thought to be associated with the Scottish place name and its historical significance. The lands of Kelsay were once owned by the Keith family, a prominent Highland clan, and the name may have been adopted as a surname by those who lived or worked on their lands.
In terms of history, there are no notable figures named Kelso that have made significant contributions to society. However, the name has been used in literature and popular culture, most notably in the television series "That '70s Show," where one of the main characters is named Kelso.
Today, Kelso remains a relatively rare given name, but it continues to be used by parents looking for a distinctive and unique name for their child. Its Scottish origins and historical associations give it a sense of tradition and heritage, while its uniqueness makes it stand out from more common names. Overall, Kelso is an interesting and unusual name with a rich history that makes it a compelling choice for those looking for something a little different.
The name Kelso has seen a varied history of popularity over the past century in the United States. The earliest record shows that six babies were named Kelso in both 1915 and 1916. This number remained relatively stable, with no more than eight births recorded per year until 1921, when it peaked at twelve.
There was a decline in popularity after this peak, with only five or fewer babies being named Kelso each year from 1923 to 1944. However, there were occasional spikes, such as the ten births recorded in 1933 and seven in both 1935 and 1942.
The name Kelso experienced a resurgence in popularity starting in the late 1990s. There were five births in both 1993 and 2001, but this number increased to nine in 2002. This trend continued with fifteen births in 2006, fourteen in 2007, and ten in both 2008 and 2009.
The popularity of Kelso has continued to fluctuate since then, with a notable increase in recent years. There were sixteen births recorded in both 2019 and 2020, followed by thirteen in 2021 and an impressive twenty-three in 2023.
In total, there have been 348 babies named Kelso in the United States over the past century, demonstrating a consistent yet evolving presence among popular baby names.