Keeley is an English given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname "Ó Cúileáin," which means "descendant of Cúileáin." The name Cúileáin itself comes from the Old Irish word "cúil," meaning "corner" or "nook," and the diminutive suffix "-éan." Therefore, Keeley can be interpreted as meaning "small corner" or "little nook."
The surname Ó Cúileáin was originally associated with County Galway in Ireland. Over time, it has evolved into various forms, including Kealey, Kiley, and other variations. As a given name, Keeley is more commonly used for females, although it can also be used for males.
The name Keeley gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the late 20th century. It is often chosen for its unique sound and spelling, as well as its Irish heritage. Today, Keeley continues to be a popular choice among parents looking for distinctive and meaningful names for their children. Despite its Irish origins, Keeley has been embraced by people of various ethnic backgrounds and nationalities who appreciate its phonetic appeal and historical significance.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Keeley has experienced varying levels of popularity over time in the United States. Between 1969 and 2005, there were a total of 49 babies named Keeley born in the U.S.
The highest birth years for the name Keeley during this period were 1973, 1976, 1997, and 1999, each with 6 births. This suggests that there was a notable interest in the name during these years, with parents choosing it more frequently than other birth years within this timeframe.
Interestingly, the name Keeley also saw increased popularity in the early 2000s, with 5 births recorded in both 2000 and 2001. This indicates that there was still some recognition and appeal for the name Keeley even decades after its peak birth years.
Overall, while not a widely popular name in terms of absolute numbers, Keeley has maintained a consistent presence among newborns in the United States over the course of these four decades. It's fascinating to observe how the popularity of names can fluctuate over time and remain steady despite trends shifting towards other choices.