Kelly
Meaning of Kelly
Kelly is a sprightly charmer that first opened its eyes on Ireland’s emerald hills, springing from the Gaelic surname Ó Ceallaigh—“descendant of Ceallach,” a word scholars juggle between “bright-headed,” “warrior,” and “church.” In true Celtic free-spirit fashion, Kelly refuses to take sides: it’s every bit as comfortable on boys as on girls. After hopping the Atlantic, the name rode a disco-ball comet through U.S. nurseries, dazzling its way into the girls’ Top 10 in the late ’70s before gliding into today’s easygoing middle lane, where a few hundred newborns a year still sport its friendly sparkle. Say “Kelly” and people picture shamrock-green sweatshirts, talk-show host Kelly Ripa’s megawatt grin, or the pop power of Kelly Clarkson—all bright proof that this name wears confidence like confetti. Warm, upbeat, and impossible to pigeonhole, Kelly is the baby-name equivalent of sunshine on a St. Paddy’s Day parade.
Pronunciation
English
- Pronunced as KEH-lee (/ˈkɛ.li/)
Irish Gaelic
- Pronunced as KEHL-ee (/ˈkɛ.li/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Kelly
| Kelly Clarkson is an American singer and television personality who gained fame by winning American Idol and is celebrated as a vocal powerhouse. |
| Kelly Williams is a Filipino-American professional basketball player for TNT Tropang 5G, an Oakland University alum who has represented the Philippines internationally. |
| American engineer Kelly Johnson designed iconic aircraft like the U-2 and SR-71 Blackbird, setting numerous speed and altitude records. |
| Robert Kelly Slater is an American professional surfer and an 11-time world champion widely celebrated as the greatest of all time, still competing and winning into his late 40s. |
| Kelly Ripa is an American actress and talk show host who has co-hosted "Live!" since 2001. |
| Dame Kelly Holmes is a retired British middle distance runner and television personality. |
| Kelly Marie Tran is an American actress best known for her role as Rose Tico in the Star Wars sequel trilogy and voicing Raya in Disney's Raya and the Last Dragon. |
| Kelly Preston was an American actress who starred in popular films like "Jerry Maguire" and "Twins" and was married to John Travolta. |
| Kelly Ann Hu is an American actress renowned for her roles in Sunset Beach, Nash Bridges, and films like The Scorpion King and X2. |
| Kelly Cherelle Price is an American R&B and gospel singer who gained fame through backing vocals for Mariah Carey and uncredited performances on hit songs before launching a successful solo career with her platinum debut album. |
| Kelly Marie Monaco is an American actress and reality TV star, best known for her role as Sam McCall on General Hospital and as the first winner of Dancing with the Stars. |
| Kelly Macdonald is a Scottish actress celebrated for her film and television roles, having earned awards like a BAFTA, an Emmy, and four SAG Awards. |
| Kelly Reilly - English actress Jessica Reilly is best known for her role as Beth Dutton on the series Yellowstone from 2018 to 2024. |
| Kelly Bryant is an American professional quarterback who played college football for Missouri after starting at Clemson. |
| Kelly Killoren Bensimon - Kelly Bensimon is a real estate agent, author, and former model who starred on The Real Housewives of New York City. |
