Kelly

Kelly meaning and name origin

Kelly \k(el)-ly\ as a boy's name (also used as girl'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 male name Ceallach, possibly meaning "strife", "bright-headed", or "church, monastery". TV producer David Kelley.

Kelly has 1 variant form: Kelley.

For more information, see also related names Cillian, Keeley and Killian.

Baby names that sound like Kelly are Keely, Kealy, Kell and Kelle.

View a list of the 8 names that reference Kelly.

Popularity of Kelly

Kelly is a very popular first name for men (#248 out of 1220) and also a very popular surname or last name for all people (#74 out of 88799). (1990 U.S. Census)

Discussion

[Top]