Kelly, Kelly name, meaning of Kelly
Information about the name Kelly
- Etymology of the name Kelly.
- History of the name Kelly.
- Pronunciation of the name Kelly.
- Ó Ceallaigh: This surname means “descendant of Ceallach.” “Ceallach” is an ancient proper name whose exact meaning is uncertain, but it has been interpreted in several ways.
- War/Conflict: A common interpretation is that “Ceallach” derives from the Gaelic word “ceall,” which can relate to “war” or “conflict.”
- Church/Community: Another possible interpretation is that “Ceallach” is related to “ceall” in the sense of “church” or “community.” This could suggest a meaning of “member of the church” or “belonging to the community.”
- Brilliant/Intelligent: Some scholars have also suggested that “Ceallach” could mean “bright” or “intelligent.”
- Male Name: In its early days as a first name, Kelly was primarily used for boys, like many Irish surnames.
- Female Name: Over time, Kelly became increasingly popular as a female name, especially in the 20th century, and today it is more commonly used for girls.
- Ireland: Although of Irish origin, Kelly is more common as a surname than a first name in Ireland itself.
- United States, Canada, and Australia: Kelly has been very popular as a first name in these countries, for both boys and girls, although its popularity has declined somewhat in recent years.
- Other Countries: The name is also found In other English-speaking countries and to a lesser extent elsewhere.
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Origin and meaning of the name Kelly
The name Kelly is a popular name in many countries, and although it is often associated with Ireland, its history and meaning have interesting nuances. Let’s explore the origin and meaning of this name.
Origin of the Name
Kelly has Irish Gaelic origins. It comes from the Irish surname “Ó Ceallaigh”.
Meaning of the Name
The meaning of the name Ceallach, and by extension the name Kelly, can be interpreted in several ways:
Therefore, the name Kelly, through its origin, may have meanings associated with war, community, or brilliance.
Use as a First Name
Originally, Kelly was a surname, but it began to be used as a first name, first for boys and later for girls as well.
Popularity and Distribution
Kelly’s popularity has varied over time and by region:
In short, Kelly is a name of Irish Gaelic origin, derived from the surname Ó Ceallaigh, meaning “descendant of Ceallach.” The meaning of Ceallach is uncertain, but it may relate to “war,” “church,” or “brilliance.” Originally a surname, Kelly became a popular given name, especially for girls, in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Image I Love Kelly
