kelly

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Origin, Meaning, And History of Kelly

Kelly is a name that has Irish, Gaelic, and Scottish origins. The name Kelly can have several meanings, such as ‘warrior,’ ‘wood,’ and ‘bright-headed.’ Other less common meanings of the name Kelly could include, ‘born on a farm’ or ‘farm by the spring.’ Initially, Kelly was a masculine name but later used to name girls. Kelly was originally the name of a Clan in Scotland, later it was used as a surname and slowly began being used as a gender-neutral first name.

The Irish meaning of the name referred to a bright-headed person or someone who frequently went to church. Since this name was associated with religion, it was adopted by several of those belonging to a God-fearing society. Kelly can also mean a clear mountain spring that signifies purity and clarity. By the end of the 19th century, the name Kelly began to be popularly used for boys. Its popularity as a feminine name grew in the US during the 1940s. The name Kelly originated in Ireland and then spread to Britain and the rest of Europe.

Variations of the name Kelly include Kelli, Kellie, Kellye, Kelleigh, Kallie, and Kelley. The name Kelly has several possible nicknames, such as Kelina, Kelis, Kel, Kelbele, Lelly, Kell, Kellz and Kellis.

In the world of fictional characters, a memorable character isKelly Collinsin the movie Cadet Kelly. The movie follows a young girl’s journey when she is shipped off to military school and the daily trials she has to face. Hillary Duff plays the protagonist of the movie, and the movie focuses on her growth as an individual.Kelly Kapooris another memorable character who Mindy Kaling plays in the US-based TV series The Office. The show follows the comical lives of a bunch of colleagues who work in a company office.

Kelly

Meaning Warrior; Wood; Born on a farm

Gender Boy

Origin Celtic

Lucky Number 2

Syllables Two

Length 1 word, 5 letters, 1 vowel, 4 consonants

Type Short and easy to pronounce

How To Pronounce Kelly?

Kelly On The Popularity Chart

According to the US Social Security Administration chart, Kelly was popular in the 1980s and 1990s, with its highest popularity in 1982. After that, it saw a transient decrease. These graphs below depict its ranking and popularity over the years.

Popularity Over Time

This name was popular in 1982, with around 1,271 babies per million named Kelly. Check out the graphical representation for detailed insights.

Rank Over Time

The ranking of the name Kelly was extremely high in the 1980s but saw a substantial decrease in the following years. The ranking of the name Kelly saw its all-time high in 1983.

Names With Similar Sound As Kelly

Here are popular baby names that resemble Kelly but have different meanings.

Kaelan Kaelen Kaelin Kail Keelen Kelby Kellen Keller Kelley Keltonn

Popular Sibling Names For Kelly

If you are looking for some matching sibling names that resonate with Kelly, check our suggestions here.

Boy Sibling Names For Kelly

Find matching brother names for Kelly and create a wonderful team of siblings.

Kaelan Kaelen Kaelin Kail Keelen Kelby Kellen Keller Kelley Keltonn

Girl Sibling Names For Kelly

Looking for some suitable sister names for Kelly? Check out our collection of beautiful and unique names.

Kaileigh Kaillie Kaily Kaleigh Kaylene Kelcey Kelci Kelia Kellene Kellesha

Other Popular Names Beginning With K

Looking for more baby names starting with the letter K to resonate with your family’s naming tradition or to rhyme with the sibling names? Find a range of alternative names starting with this letter.

Kacey Kaelan Kaelen Kaelin Kail Kane Kanin Karling Karryghan Karsen

Names With Similar Meaning As Kelly

看看如果你正在寻找婴儿的名字that emulate the strength and devotion of a warrior. Here are some worthwhile names to consider.

Kaali Kaaliya Kaelo Kagola Kahl Kahol Kahola Kailah Kailao Kakila

Infographic: Know The Name Kelly‘s Personality As Per Numerology

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How To Communicate The Name Kelly In Other Languages

In Nautical Flags

kelly

In Sign Language

kelly

In Braille Alphabet

kelly

In Morse Code

kelly

Name Numerology For Kelly

常见问题

1. What is the meaning of the name Kelly?

The name Kelly means ‘brave warrior.’

2. What is the origin of the name Kelly?

Kelly has a Celtic origin.

3.如何支持nounce the name Kelly?

Kelly is pronounced as kel-ly.

4. Is Kelly a unisex name or more commonly used for boys or girls?

According to the SSA data, Kelly is predominantly used as a girls name. Kelly as a boy’s name was last seen in the US in 2002 with 185 babies per million sharing the name (1).

5. Does Kelly have any specific cultural or historical significance?

The name Kelly can be associated with the Irish clan name Ó Ceallaigh. It means ‘descendant of Ceallach.’ The name was first found in the County of Galway, formally referred to as Uí Maine. It was one of the oldest counties in the Kingdom of Connacht.

6. What are some famous quotes or references related to the name Kelly?

There are many prominent and influential individuals named Kelly. Some famous quotes by Kelly Clarkson include, ‘God will never give you anything you can’t handle, so don’t stress,’ and ‘My friends and family are my support system. They tell me what I need to hear, not what I want to hear and they are there for me in the good and bad times. Without them, I have no idea where I would be and I know that their love for me is what’s keeping my head above the water.

7. Are there any interesting trivia or fun facts about the name Kelly?

Kelly is not only used as a personal name, but it is also used as a habitational name. Kelly is a census-designated place in the state of Wyoming, US. It is also the name of a village in the Tunapuna–Piarco region of Trinidad and Tobago.

8. What are some famous literary works or poems written by someone named Kelly?

Kelly Cherry was a novelist, poet, essayist, literary critic, and professor. She has authored more than 30 books and these include Sick and Full of Burning, Conversion, The Exiled Heart, and Weather, poems.

References:

MomJunction后写的文章alyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in oureditorial policy.

1. Popularity of Kelly
   https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/

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Akshay NairMA

Akshay is an associate editor and former journalist with more than four years of experience. A post graduate in Mass Communication and Journalism, he has strong professional and academic background in the field of content writing and editing. He is also a Certified Relationship Workshop Facilitator for Life Coaches. Akshay interned and worked with various newspapers and the Public Relations...more