Kelly

Meaning

Kelly is most commonly traced to an Irish Gaelic surname, usually linked to the older name Ó Ceallaigh. In traditional etymology, this is often explained as referring to a descendant of Ceallach, a name associated with meanings such as "war" or "strife," though the name also became widespread as a surname and later a given name. The excerpted source also shows it being discussed in a Gaelic surname context, but it does not give a full derivation in the visible text.

Origin

Fun fact

Kelly became one of those surnames that later crossed over into common use as a first name, especially in English-speaking countries.