Kelly

+ Add to List

Transferred use of surname that started out as a boy's name, but is currently more common for girls. Originally an English form of the ancient Irish Gaelic name Ceallach, that debuted on the chart in 1944 and rose to a strong position among the top 100 in 1959. Peaked at No. 10 in 1977, because of fictional character, "Kelly Garrett," played by actress Jaclyn Smith on the 1976 to 1981 television series, "Charlie's Angels." Singer Kelly Clarkson, the 2002 first season winner of "American Idol" also comes to mind. Trendy name with a "y" spelling and long "ee" sound either by itself or combined with other names like Kellyjo or Kelly-Ann. , Lively: aggressive.

Popularity: Girls Ranked #306 in 2010; See More Popularity Rankings
Origin: Celtic; Irish
Gender: Unisex
Meaning Tags: War or Battle; + Add a Meaning Tag
Variations: Kellen +; Keller +; Kelley +; Kelson +; + Add a Variation
Alternative Spellings: Kelle +; Kellee +; Kelleigh +; Kelley +; Kelli +; Kellie +; Kellye +; + Add an Alternative
Nicknames: Kel +; + Add a Nickname
Personality: + Add a Personality Trait
Famous Kellys: Kelly Preston (actress); Kelly Pickler (country singer); Kelly Clarkson (singer); Kelly Dicus; Kelly Ripa (TV host/actress); Kelly McGillis (actress); + Add a Famous Kelly
Sibling Name Ideas: + Add a Sibling Name
Like This Name?: Love It; Hate It
Kelly is on other name lists
: All-American Girl Names; Colorful Girl Names; Test List