Kelsey is a unisex given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname "O'Caoileain," which means "descendant of Caoilfhionn." Caoilfhionn was a legendary Irish warrior queen who ruled in the 4th century AD. The name has been used as both a male and female given name since the Middle Ages, but it is now more commonly used for girls in the English-speaking world.
The name Kelsey first appeared in the United States during the mid-19th century, but its usage did not become widespread until the latter half of the 20th century. Today, Kelsey is considered a modern classic and remains popular among parents looking for a unique yet recognizable name for their child.
Overall, Kelsey is a strong and distinctive name with a rich history rooted in Irish folklore and mythology. Its meaning as "descendant of Caoilfhionn" adds to its appeal, giving it a sense of power and regal heritage. Despite its Irish origins, the name has been embraced by many different cultures around the world and is now considered a truly global name.
The name Kelsey has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. Between 1942 and 2023, there have been a total of 149,638 births with the first name Kelsey.
The name's popularity began to rise significantly in the late 1970s and early 1980s. In 1979, there were 222 births with the name Kelsey, a number that jumped to 490 in 1981, and then to 791 in 1982. This trend continued throughout the 1980s, with Kelsey reaching its peak popularity in 1986 when there were 2,516 births.
Interestingly, the name Kelsey has also seen periods of decreased popularity. After reaching its peak in 1986, the number of births with the name Kelsey began to decline steadily throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. In 2000, there were 3,669 births, which dropped to 2,569 in 2003, and then continued to fall to 466 in 2022.
Despite this decline, the name Kelsey remains relatively popular today. In recent years, it has consistently ranked among the top 1,000 most popular baby names in the United States.
Overall, these statistics demonstrate the fluctuating popularity of the name Kelsey over time. While it experienced periods of significant growth and decline, it has ultimately maintained a consistent presence among popular baby names in the United States.