Kelly
Kelly: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ΛkΙli/
Meaning and origin of Kelly
- A unisex given name transferred from the surname.
- A male given name transferred from the surname.
- A female given name transferred from the surname, popular from the 1960s to the 1990s.
Etymology
Borrowed from Irish Γ Ceallaigh. Doublet of Kellogg and Callahan.
How popular is Kelly?
Since 1880, 473,965 girls and 82,400 boys in the U.S. have been named Kelly (85% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #10 in 1977. Its highest rank for boys was #97 in 1968. In 2025 it ranked #852 for girls, with 403 babies given the name.
Names similar to Kelly
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Irish unisex names
Sibling name ideas for Kelly
Sister and brother names that share Kelly's Irish roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Kelly FAQ
What does the name Kelly mean?
A unisex given name transferred from the surname. A male given name transferred from the surname. A female given name transferred from the surname, popular from the 1960s to the 1990s. Borrowed from Irish Γ Ceallaigh. Doublet of Kellogg and Callahan.
What is the origin of the name Kelly?
Kelly is listed as a name of Irish origin.
How popular is the name Kelly?
Since 1880, 473,965 girls and 82,400 boys in the U.S. have been named Kelly (85% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #10 in 1977. Its highest rank for boys was #97 in 1968. In 2025 it ranked #852 for girls, with 403 babies given the name.
Is Kelly a boy or girl name?
Kelly is used for both boys and girls in the U.S. (473,965 girls and 82,400 boys since 1880).
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880β2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.