Keela is a unique and captivating name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname "Ó Ceallaigh," which means "descendant of Ceallach." Ceallach, in turn, is an ancient Irish personal name meaning "bright-headed" or "zealous."
The name Keela has a long history in Ireland and can be traced back to the early medieval period. It was borne by several notable figures in Irish history, including Keela O'Connor, who was a famous Irish patriot and revolutionary during the Irish War of Independence.
Despite its historical significance, Keela is not a particularly common name today. It is often used as a feminine given name but can also be used as a surname. The name has gained some popularity outside of Ireland in recent years, particularly among parents seeking unique and meaningful names for their children.
Overall, Keela is a distinctive and compelling name with a rich history and significant meaning behind it. Its Irish origins add to its charm and make it an appealing choice for those looking for a name with a unique sound and fascinating background.
The name Keela has seen a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past few decades. Between 1956 and 2023, there have been a total of 1065 babies named Keela.
The most popular years for the name were around the late 1970s to mid-1980s, with peaks in births occurring in 1974 (32 births), 1977 (29 births), and 1978 (33 births). Interestingly, there was another peak in recent years, with 19 births in 2012.
However, the name Keela has seen a decline in popularity over time. From 1985 onwards, the number of births per year has consistently been lower than the peaks in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The most recent data from 2022 shows that there were only 9 babies named Keela born in the United States.
This information illustrates how the popularity of a name can fluctuate over time, reflecting societal trends and preferences. Despite its decline in recent years, Keela remains a unique and distinct name with a notable history in the United States.