Kelly
Kelly is an unisex name of Irish origin, meaning “Possibly 'bright-headed' or 'strife'”.
| Meaning | Possibly 'bright-headed' or 'strife' |
|---|---|
| Gender | Unisex |
| Origin | Irish |
| Pronunciation | KEL-ee |
| Tradition | Modern & Classic |
| Used in | United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia |
Meaning and origin of Kelly
Kelly comes from the Irish surname Ó Ceallaigh, 'descendant of Ceallach'. The meaning of Ceallach is debated: some explain it as 'bright-headed', others connect it with a word for strife or war. The popular gloss 'church' comes from cill, which is probably a confusion. Kelly was originally male in Ireland but became mainly a girls' name in the United States, Britain and Australia from the 1960s.
Is Kelly a religious name?
Kelly is a secular Irish surname-name with no clear religious meaning.
How popular is Kelly?
Popular for girls in the 1970s and 1980s; less used today.
Gifts with the name Kelly
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Spellings and variants of Kelly
Names similar to Kelly
More unisex names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kelly mean?
Kelly means 'Possibly 'bright-headed' or 'strife''. It is of Irish origin.
Does Kelly have a religious meaning?
Kelly is a secular Irish surname-name with no clear religious meaning.
How do you pronounce Kelly?
Kelly is pronounced KEL-ee.
Is Kelly a boy or girl name?
Kelly is used for both boys and girls.