Kelly

Kelly meaning and name origin

Kelly \k(el)-ly\ as a girl's name (also used as boy's name Kelly), is pronounced KEL-ee. It is of Irish and Gaelic origin, and the meaning of Kelly is "strife, war". Transferred use of the surname. Originally an anglicized form of the ancient Irish Gaelic name Ceallach, possibly meaning "strife", "bright-headed", 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.

View a list of the 5 names that reference Kelly.

Popularity of Kelly

Kelly is a very popular first name for women (#67 out of 4276) and also a very popular surname or last name for all people (#74 out of 88799). (1990 U.S. Census)

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