Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Kelly

Kelly is the anglicized version of an old Irish male name Ceallech which means ‘hermit’ or “ceallúir” meaning ‘churchyard’. The name has long been associated with a ‘steady churchgoer’ or ‘frequenter of churches’ but other etymologists maintain the name comes from an even older word meaning ‘bright-headed’ (presumably referring to a red-head). Ó Ceallaigh is also an older surname in Ireland (descendent of Ceallech) which also morphed into the more common last name Kelly (think: Gene Kelly or Grace Kelly, both of Irish descent). The Kelly family was renowned for their quick temper and courage in battle. Kelly has long been considered a unisex name, having been first popularized among males. Today, Kelly is far more common as a girl’s name. Like Erin, Patrick, or Bridget – Kelly is a quintessential Irish name.

All About the Baby Name – Kelly

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME KELLY

The Number 2 personality in numerology is all about cooperation and balance. It's the number of diplomats and mediators. They are not leaders, but strive rather for harmony in partnerships. These are the peacemakers. Equality and fairness are important in their dealings, and they are willing to share power and responsibility to achieve a harmonious outcome. This personality is calm and patient, waiting for things to evolve instead of pushing aggressively for an outcome. They are good-natured and easy-going, and care deeply on an emotional and spiritual plane. Twos appreciate beauty and nature and are intent on making the world a better place.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME KELLY

Kelly started out as a male name in the United States. In fact, for boys, Kelly dates back to 1880 (the first year the U.S. government began tracking naming trends). By 1944, the name would officially become unisex when it appeared on the female naming charts. Very quickly the female Kelly would surpass the male Kelly in usage (1957). In 2002, Kelly fell off the boy’s chart altogether. Now the name is almost exclusively used on little girls. Although we have to say, we still really like Kelly for a boy. It somehow retains its cool masculinity despite having been feminized over the years (consider Kelly Slater, the professional surfer, for instance). Transcending gender, Kelly is more simply an Irish name. For girl’s the name was massively popular during the 1970s and 80s – in fact, in 1977 Kelly was the 10th most popular name for baby girls America. Irish names are still very popular in the United States, but parents of today are opting for more fanciful Irish female names (Kaitlyn, Keira, Brianna) or Irish surnames for first names (Kennedy, Cassidy, Reagan). Kelly has clearly become passé. Nonetheless, Kelly has a certain simple Irish charm and a cool androgynous sound (like Erin). You just can’t go wrong with a name like Kelly.

Quick Facts

ON KELLY

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

Celtic

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

369

PRONUNCIATION:

KEL-ee

SIMPLE MEANING:

Churchgoer, or Bright-headed

Characteristics

OF KELLY

Cooperative

Considerate

Compassionate

Nurturing

Sensitive

Patient

Loving

Kind

Gracious

Balanced

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Kelly

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME KELLY

Velma Kelly is one of the main characters in the hugely successful 1975 musical, Chicago, itself based on a 1926 play of the same name by Maurine Dallas Watkins, and also made into an award winning 2002 movie with Catherine Zeta-Jones as Velma. Velma is a deliciously corrupt and manipulative singing and dancing murderess, constantly seeking the spotlight, and finding it more often than not. She is in prison for killing her husband and sister, who were having an affair. Longing to be back in vaudeville and hoping to escape the gallows, Velma is kept in the limelight by the corrupt matron, “Mama” Morton, but incoming murderess/prisoner Roxie Hart steals the show momentarily. Velma is intent on doing harm to this upstart, but in the end they triumphantly both end up free and back on the entertainment circuit in a fetching duet, the “Hot Honey Rag”.

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Kelly

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME KELLY

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Kelly


Popular Songs

ON KELLY

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Kelly


Famous People

NAMED KELLY

Kelly Clarkson (singer)
Kelly Ripa (TV personality)
Kelly Brook (model)
Kelly Hu (actress)
Kelly Lebrock (model/actress)
Kelly McGillis (actress)
Kelly Osbourne (TV personality)
Kelly Preston (actress)
Kelly Lynch (actress)
Kelly Slater (surfer)
Kelly Clark (Olympic snowboarder)
Kelly Carlson (actress)
Kelly Chen (musician)
Kelly Rowland (singer)
Kelly Gruber (baseball player)
Kelly Holcomb (football player)
Kelly Clarkson (singer)
Kelly Ripa (TV personality)
Kelly Brook (model)
Kelly Hu (actress)
Kelly Lebrock (model/actress)
Kelly McGillis (actress)
Kelly Osbourne (TV personality)
Kelly Preston (actress)
Kelly Lynch (actress)
Kelly Slater (surfer)
Kelly Clark (Olympic snowboarder)
Kelly Carlson (actress)
Kelly Chen (musician)
Kelly Rowland (singer)
Kelly Gruber (baseball player)
Kelly Holcomb (football player)
Kelly Clarkson (singer)
Kelly Ripa (TV personality)
Kelly Brook (model)
Kelly Hu (actress)
Kelly Lebrock (model/actress)
Kelly McGillis (actress)
Kelly Osbourne (TV personality)
Kelly Preston (actress)
Kelly Lynch (actress)
Kelly Slater (surfer)
Kelly Clark (Olympic snowboarder)
Kelly Carlson (actress)
Kelly Chen (musician)
Kelly Rowland (singer)
Kelly Gruber (baseball player)
Kelly Holcomb (football player)

Children of Famous People

NAMED KELLY

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Kelly

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME KELLY

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Kelly