Kelly
Kelly is a boy's name of Irish origin.
Meaning
Bright-headed, war, or warrior.
Origin and history
Kelly is derived from the Irish surname Ó Ceallaigh, meaning descendant of Ceallach. Historically a masculine given name in Ireland and the U.S., it experienced a peak in male usage in the mid-20th century before becoming predominantly feminine. Today, male usage continues as a classic unisex option.
Popularity in the United States
82,400 babies in the United States have been named Kelly since 1880. It ranks #358 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1322.
States where it is most popular
- CA (9.9 %)
- TX (8.1 %)
- OH (4.2 %)
- WA (3.9 %)
- UT (3.7 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 119 |
| 1890-1900 | 142 |
| 1900-1910 | 206 |
| 1910-1920 | 883 |
| 1920-1930 | 1,276 |
| 1930-1940 | 1,294 |
| 1940-1950 | 2,864 |
| 1950-1960 | 13,134 |
| 1960-1970 | 28,006 |
| 1970-1980 | 17,321 |
| 1980-1990 | 9,774 |
| 1990-2000 | 4,138 |
| 2000-2010 | 1,540 |
| 2010-2019 | 1,070 |
| 2020-2029 | 633 |
Famous people named Kelly
- Kelly Slater: Surfer, Athlete
- Kelly Tripucka: Basketball Player, Sports Broadcaster
Fun facts
- Kelly originated as an Irish surname before transitioning into a popular given name for both sexes.
- Originally predominantly male, Kelly became extremely popular for girls in the late 20th century while retaining male usage.