Kealy is a unique and distinctive female given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname "Ó Ceallaigh," which means "descendant of Ceallach." Ceallach is an old Irish personal name that means "bright-headed" or "ardent."
The name Kealy is believed to have been brought to Ireland by the Gaelic-speaking people who migrated from Scotland and northwest Britain in the early Middle Ages. It has been used as a given name since at least the 18th century, but it was not particularly common until the mid-20th century.
Today, Kealy remains a relatively rare name, which adds to its uniqueness and charm. It is often spelled in various ways, including Keala, Keeley, Kaylee, and Kaeli, among others. Despite these variations, all of these names share the same Irish origin and meaning.
In conclusion, Kealy is an attractive and distinctive given name with a rich history and meaningful origins. Its unique sound and Irish heritage make it a wonderful choice for parents looking for a special and memorable name for their daughter.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Kealy has seen a varied trend in popularity over the years in the United States. The earliest recorded birth with the name Kealy was in 1971, with five births that year. The popularity of the name then increased slightly to eight births in 1973 before fluctuating between five and nine births until 1985.
There was a notable increase in the popularity of the name Kealy from 1985 onwards, with ten births recorded that year. This trend continued into the 1990s, reaching a peak of 24 births in 2000. However, after this high point, the popularity of the name began to decline once again.
Between 2001 and 2015, there were between five and 22 births each year with the name Kealy. The most recent data available shows that there were seven births with the name in 2015. Overall, from 1971 to 2015, a total of 422 babies were named Kealy at birth in the United States. While the popularity of the name has ebbed and flowed over the years, it remains relatively uncommon compared to other names.