Kelly
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Origin of the name Kelly:
Anglicized form of the Irish Ceallagh, which is thought to be derived from ceallach (strife). The use of Kelly as a given name is most likely from the trans-ferred use of the surname O' Kelly or Kelly, which is the second most common surname in Ireland. Var: Kelley.
From A World of Baby Names by Teresa Norman. Buy the bookDoes Kelly sound...
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Reader Contributions
Contribute to, or edit, this collection of community wisdom on the name Kelly!
- Comments and insights on the name Kelly: | Edit
This name has been fully taken over by the girls. Would not recommend for a little boy's name.
THIS IS MY 18 YEAR OLD SON'S NAME, IT'S ALWAYS BEEN UNIQUE, ADMIRED BY EVERYONE, NEVER MADE FUN OF, AND HE LIKES IT.
- Personal experiences with the name Kelly: | Edit
This is my youngest brother's name. He was teased mercilessly all throughout elementary and junior high school for having a "girl's name."
- Nicknames for Kelly: | Edit
Kel, Kel Bel, Kelly Belly, Kellster, Kels
- Meanings and history of the name Kelly: | Edit
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- Famous real-life people named Kelly: | Edit
Kelly Hrudy - NHL goalie
Kelly Gruber - major league baseball player
Kelly Slater - Surfer
Gene Kelly - dancer, actor, singer
Holly Marie Combs (she played Piper on charmed) named her youngest son Kelly (her other sons are Finley and Riley)- Kelly in song, story & screen: | Edit
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NameVoyager US Popularity of Kelly Over Time
NameMapper Current Popularity of Kelly by State
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