The nameKelly

Kelly is an Irish surname that became a favourite American girl's name in the 1970s.

Meaning

Kelly comes from the Irish Ó Ceallaigh, often explained as "bright-headed" or "warrior".

Origin

Irish.

History

Kelly is one of the most common surnames in Ireland. As a first name it reached the American top 10 in 1977. It is occasionally given to boys.

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Famous people named Kelly

Popularity of the name Kelly

Kelly in the United States

870thmost popular girls' name in the United States in 2024
1968peak year (20,197 births)
555,958babies named Kelly in the United States since 1880
010,09920,197 18801900192019401960198020002020
Births per year in the United States. Source: Social Security Administration, names given at least 5 times a year.

Kelly was most popular in the United States in the 1960s, with 156,056 births over the decade, 28% of all recorded babies named Kelly. Its rise began around 1956, and it peaked in 1968. Half of all babies named Kelly in the United States were born before 1976, so it is mostly a parents' generation name. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 452 births a year on average, against 653 in the five years before.

Kelly in the United Kingdom

2140thmost popular girls' name in the United Kingdom in 2025
1997peak year (714 births)
4,070babies named Kelly in the United Kingdom since 1997
0357714 200020052010201520202025
Births per year in the United Kingdom. Source: ONS, NRS and NISRA (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland), names given at least 3 times a year.

Kelly was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2000s, with 1,921 births over the decade, 47% of all recorded babies named Kelly. Half of all babies named Kelly in the United Kingdom were born before 2001. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 23 births a year on average, against 32 in the five years before.

Kelly in Ireland

1996peak year (171 births)
3,357babies named Kelly in Ireland since 1964
086171 198020002020
Births per year in Ireland. Source: Central Statistics Office, names given at least 3 times a year.

Kelly in France

635thmost popular girls' name in France, latest official figures
1995peak year (1,270 births)
25,770babies named Kelly in France since 1900
06351,270 1900192019401960198020002020
Births per year in France. Source: Insee, French national statistics office, latest official figures. Rounded numbers.

Kelly in Belgium

1033rdmost popular girls' name in Belgium in 2025
1995peak year (393 births)
2,422babies named Kelly in Belgium since 1995
0197393 1995200020052010201520202025
Births per year in Belgium. Source: Statbel, names given at least 5 times a year.

Kelly in Switzerland

727thmost popular girls' name in Switzerland in 2025
2003peak year (40 births)
543babies named Kelly in Switzerland since 2000
02040 200020052010201520202025
Births per year in Switzerland. Source: Swiss Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Sibling names for Kelly

Names from the same generation as Kelly, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.

For a sister

For a brother

How many people are named Kelly? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz

Compare Kelly with another name

Meaning, origin and popularity of Kelly side by side with the name of your choice.

Kelly in our baby name lists

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Kelly mean?

Kelly comes from the Irish Ó Ceallaigh, often explained as "bright-headed" or "warrior".

What is the origin of the name Kelly?

Irish.

Is Kelly a girl's or a boy's name?

Kelly is a girl's name. In the United States, 85% of the babies named Kelly are girls.

How popular is the name Kelly?

In 2024, Kelly was the 870th most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 310 births.

What are good sibling names for Kelly?

Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Erin, Tara, Christina and Claudia for a sister, Brendan, Brian, Dustin and Zachary for a brother.

Who are famous people named Kelly?

Grace Kelly, actress and Princess of Monaco; Kelly Clarkson, singer; Kelly Holmes, Olympic champion; Kelly Slater, surfer.