Kelley
Kelley is a girl's name of Irish origin.
Meaning
Bright-headed, warrior, or contender.
Origin and history
Kelley is a unisex name of Irish Gaelic origin, derived from the traditional surname Ó Ceallaigh. It is often interpreted as meaning warrior, contender, or bright-headed. While historically common in the United States during the late 20th century, its current usage for newborn girls is relatively rare.
Popularity in the United States
46,099 babies in the United States have been named Kelley since 1880. It ranks #622 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1986.
States where it is most popular
- CA (10.8 %)
- TX (7.6 %)
- OH (6.4 %)
- NY (4.9 %)
- MI (4.8 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 6 |
| 1920-1930 | 5 |
| 1930-1940 | 0 |
| 1940-1950 | 81 |
| 1950-1960 | 2,237 |
| 1960-1970 | 14,747 |
| 1970-1980 | 12,745 |
| 1980-1990 | 9,788 |
| 1990-2000 | 4,935 |
| 2000-2010 | 1,111 |
| 2010-2019 | 329 |
| 2020-2029 | 115 |
Famous people named Kelley
- Kelley Jakle: Actress, Singer
- Kelley Deal: Musician, Guitarist
Nicknames
Kell, Kellie
Fun facts
- Kelley is an anglicized spelling of the Irish surname Ó Ceallaigh, historically associated with several distinct Gaelic clans.
- The extra 'e' distinguishes Kelley from the more common spelling Kelly, maintaining a closer visual link to certain family surname traditions.