Kelly - name meaning and origin

The girl's name Kelly \k(el)-ly\, also used as boy's name Kelly, is pronounced KEL-ee. It is of Irish and Gaelic origin, and its meaning is "descendant of Ceallach". Transferred use of the surname. Originally an Anglicised form of the ancient Irish Gaelic name Ceallach, possibly meaning "bright-headed", "strife", or "church, monastery". Actresses Kelly McGillis, Kelly Preston, Kelly Ripa.

Kelly has 11 variant forms: Kelianne, Kellee, Kelleen, Kelleigh, Kelley, Kelli, Kellie, Kellina, Kellyann, Kellyanne and Kellye.

For more information, see also related names Callie and Keely.

Baby names that sound like Kelly are Kally and Kealy.

Kelly is a very popular female first name and a very popular surname (source: 1990 U.S. Census). Displayed below is the baby name popularity trend for the girl's name Kelly. Compare Kelly with related baby names.