Kelly - Name Meaning and Origin

The boy's and girl's name Kelly \k(el)-ly\ 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 Anglicized form of the male name Ceallach, possibly meaning "bright-headed", "strife", 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.

Kelly is a very popular male first name and a very popular surname (source: 1990 U.S. Census). Displayed below is the baby name popularity trend for the boy's name Kelly. Click here to compare Kelly with related baby names.