Kelli is a name of Irish origin that has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in English-speaking countries such as the United States and Canada. The name is derived from the Irish surname "Ó Ceallaigh," which means "descendant of Ceallach." Ceallach was a legendary early Irish king who was said to have been one of the three kings of Ireland.
The meaning behind the name Kelli is not entirely clear, as it has evolved over time and through different cultures. Some sources suggest that the name may be derived from the Irish word "ceall," which means "church" or "monastery." Others suggest that the name may have been inspired by the Welsh name "Cei," which means "victory."
Despite its uncertain origins, Kelli has become a popular name for girls in recent years. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, the name Kelli first appeared on the list of most popular baby names for girls in 1962, where it ranked at number 572. Since then, its popularity has grown steadily, peaking at number 138 in 1987. Today, Kelli remains a relatively common name in English-speaking countries, with thousands of women bearing this name.
One notable figure named Kelli is American singer-songwriter Kelli Ali, born on October 20, 1969, in Liverpool, England. Ali is best known for her work as the lead vocalist of the band Sneaker Pimps during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
In conclusion, Kelli is a name with Irish origins that has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in English-speaking countries. Its meaning is uncertain but may be derived from the Irish word "ceall" or the Welsh name "Cei." Despite its uncertain origins, Kelli remains a popular name for girls today and has been borne by notable figures such as American singer-songwriter Kelli Ali.
The name Kelli has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the years in the United States, as indicated by the birth statistics from 1945 to 2023.
In the early years, from 1945 to 1968, the number of births with the name Kelli remained relatively low, ranging from 5 to 2321. However, starting in 1969, there was a notable increase in its popularity, reaching a peak in 1970 with 3331 births. This trend continued until 1984, with the number of births fluctuating between 1981 and 3055.
The name Kelli experienced another surge in popularity from 1986 to 1992, with birth numbers ranging from 2000 to 2486. However, beginning in 1993, there was a significant decline in its popularity, with the number of births decreasing annually until it reached an all-time low of 22 births in 2023.
In total, between 1945 and 2023, there have been 74859 births with the name Kelli in the United States. While its popularity has fluctuated over the years, the name Kelli remains a classic choice for parents looking to honor tradition while also considering contemporary trends.