Kelly is a name that has been used for both males and females since the 1960s, with its origins in the Irish surname Kelly. It has since become a popular first name in many countries, including the United States, where it has ranked in the top 1000 baby names for both boys and girls. But what does the name Kelly actually mean, and where did it come from?
The origin of the name Kelly is believed to be Scottish and Irish, with Clan Kelly being a Scottish clan. The name may have originated from the barony of Kelloe in Berwickshire, Scotland. Over time, the name has taken on various meanings, including “warrior,” “bright-headed,” and “farm by the spring.” Today, it remains a popular choice for parents looking for a gender-neutral name with a rich history.
Key Takeaways
- Kelly is a name with origins in the Irish surname Kelly and has been used for both males and females since the 1960s.
- The name is believed to have originated from Scotland and has various meanings, including “warrior,” “bright-headed,” and “farm by the spring.”
- Kelly remains a popular choice for parents looking for a gender-neutral name with a rich history.
The Origin of Kelly
Kelly is a unisex name with Irish, Scottish, and Gaelic origins. The name Kelly is derived from the Irish surname Kelly, which means “descendant of war,” from the ancient Irish name “O’Ceallaigh.”
The name Kelly was originally a male-only name, but it has been used as a female given name since the 1960s, especially within Celtic families. Today, Kelly is a popular name for both boys and girls.
In addition to its use as a given name, Kelly is also a common surname. It has been borne by many notable people, including actor and dancer Gene Kelly and actress and princess Grace Kelly.
Overall, the name Kelly has a strong and powerful meaning, with connotations of strength, bravery, and determination. It is a name that has stood the test of time and continues to be a popular choice for parents looking for a meaningful and unique name for their child.
Meaning of Kelly
Kelly is a unisex name of Irish, Scottish, and Gaelic origin. The name is derived from the Irish surname “O’Ceallaigh,” which means “descendant of war.” It also means “warrior” and “bright-headed.”
The name Kelly has been used as a male name for centuries, but it has also been used as a female name since the 1960s. Today, the name is considered gender-neutral and is used for both boys and girls.
According to the Social Security Administration, Kelly was a popular name in the 1970s and 1980s, but its popularity has decreased in recent years. In 2023, Kelly ranked #1048 in popularity for baby girl names.
Many famous people have the name Kelly, including actress and Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly, singer-songwriter Kelly Clarkson, and actor and comedian Kelly Ripa.
Overall, Kelly is a strong and timeless name with a rich history and meaning.
Popularity of Kelly
Kelly is a unisex name that has been popular in the United States for both boys and girls. According to the Social Security Administration, Kelly was most popular for girls in the 1970s and 1980s. It was in the top 20 names for girls in the US in the 1970s and remained in the top 100 names for girls until the early 2000s.
For boys, Kelly was most popular in the 1950s and 1960s, but its popularity declined in the 1970s. By the 2000s, it was no longer in the top 1000 names for boys.
Here are some key statistics about the popularity of Kelly:
- In 2023, Kelly is ranked #1048 for girls in the US, with a popularity increase of 376 from the previous year.
- In 2022, Kelly was not in the top 1000 names for boys in the US.
- From 1890 to 2022, Kelly was used as a name for both boys and girls in the US.
- In Ireland, Kelly is more commonly used as a surname than a first name.
Overall, Kelly has been a popular name for both boys and girls in the past, but its popularity has declined in recent years. However, it remains a classic and timeless name that is still used by many parents today.
Variations of Kelly
The name Kelly has several variations, including different spellings and forms in different languages. Here are some of the most common variations of Kelly:
- Kelley: This variation of Kelly is the most common spelling in the United States. It is also a popular surname.
- Kellie: This spelling of Kelly is more common as a female given name.
- Keli: This variation of Kelly is a simplified spelling that is sometimes used in the United States.
- Kelcey: This variation of Kelly is more common as a male given name.
- Kellee: This spelling of Kelly is also more common as a female given name.
In addition to these variations, Kelly has different forms in other languages. For example:
- Kelli: This Finnish form of Kelly means “warrior woman.”
- Kelia: This Greek form of Kelly means “sea foam.”
- Kellie: This Scottish form of Kelly means “church” or “monastery.”
Overall, Kelly is a versatile name with many variations and forms in different languages. Whether you prefer the traditional spelling or a more unique variation, Kelly is a name that can suit many different personalities and backgrounds.
Famous People Named Kelly
Kelly is a name that has been popularized by many famous people over the years. Here are some notable individuals who share the name Kelly:
- Kelly Clarkson: American singer and songwriter who rose to fame as the winner of the first season of American Idol in 2002.
- Kelly Ripa: American actress, talk show host, and television producer who is best known for her work on the daytime talk show Live with Kelly and Ryan.
- Kelly Slater: American professional surfer who is considered one of the greatest surfers of all time, having won 11 World Surf League championships.
- Kelly Osbourne: English television personality, actress, and singer who rose to fame as a member of the reality television show The Osbournes.
- Kelly Rowland: American singer, songwriter, and actress who rose to fame as a member of the girl group Destiny’s Child.
These are just a few examples of the many famous people who share the name Kelly. The name has been used for both males and females, with notable figures in various fields, including music, sports, and entertainment.
Kelly in Pop Culture
The name Kelly has been used by many famous people in pop culture. Here are a few notable examples:
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Kelly Clarkson: American singer and winner of the first season of American Idol in 2002. She has released multiple hit albums and won numerous awards, including three Grammy Awards.
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Kelly Rowland: American singer, songwriter, and actress. She was a member of the girl group Destiny’s Child, which sold over 60 million records worldwide. She has also released several solo albums and acted in films and television shows.
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Kelly Ripa: American actress, talk show host, and producer. She is best known for co-hosting the morning talk show Live with Kelly and Ryan.
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Kelly Osbourne: English television personality, singer, and actress. She rose to fame on the reality show The Osbournes, which followed her family’s daily life.
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Kelly Preston: American actress and model. She appeared in numerous films, including Jerry Maguire, Twins, and For Love of the Game.
In addition to these celebrities, there are many fictional characters with the name Kelly. Some notable examples include Kelly Kapoor from the television show The Office, Kelly Bundy from the show Married… with Children, and Kelly Taylor from the show Beverly Hills, 90210.
Overall, the name Kelly has been a popular choice for both real people and fictional characters in pop culture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the name Kelly is a unisex name that has been used for both boys and girls since the 1960s. It has Irish, Scottish, and Gaelic origins and means “warrior” and “bright-headed.”
While Kelly was historically a male-only name, it has become more commonly associated with girls in recent years. However, it is still used as a masculine name, especially within Celtic families.
Some parents may choose the name Kelly for its gender-neutral sound or meaning, while others may prefer it for its historical significance or family ties.
Overall, the name Kelly is a versatile and timeless choice for parents looking for a name that is both meaningful and unique.