Kelley is a name of Irish origin and meaning. It is derived from the Irish surname "Ó Ceallaigh," which means "descendant of Ceallach." Ceallach was a 10th-century king of Connacht, one of the provinces of Ireland.
The name Kelley has been used as both a first name and a last name for centuries in Ireland. It is believed to have originated from the Irish clan Ó Ceallaigh, who were known for their bravery and leadership.
Over time, the name Kelley spread beyond Ireland and can now be found in various countries around the world. While it was once primarily used as a masculine name, it has become more popular among women in recent years.
Despite its Irish origins, the name Kelley does not have any specific cultural or traditional associations. It is simply a name that has been passed down through generations and continues to be chosen by parents for their children today.
In terms of its meaning, Kelley does not have any specific attributes associated with it. However, some people may associate the name with positive qualities such as strength, leadership, and bravery due to its Irish origins and historical significance.
Overall, Kelley is a unique and historic name that has been used by both men and women for centuries. Its Irish origins and meaning make it a popular choice among those looking for a name with a rich history and cultural heritage.
Based on the statistics provided, we can observe several trends regarding the number of births with the name Kelley in the United States.
From 1882 to 1959, there were fewer than 200 births each year. The highest number during this period was in 1953, with 78 births. However, starting from 1956, we see a significant increase in the popularity of the name Kelley. In 1956 and 1957, there were 108 births each year, followed by 150 births in 1958.
This trend continued into the 1960s, with over 100 births every year between 1960 and 1972. The highest number during this decade was in 1968, with 168 births. However, after 1972, we see a steady decline in the popularity of the name Kelley.
Between 1973 and 1992, there were fewer than 100 births each year. The lowest number during this period was in 1993, with only 34 births. This trend continued into the early 2000s, with fewer than 50 births each year between 2002 and 2007.
However, since 2008, there has been a slight increase in the popularity of the name Kelley. There were over 15 births each year between 2008 and 2023, with the highest number being in 2021, with 19 births. Overall, based on these statistics, we can see that while the name Kelley was quite popular in the mid-20th century, its popularity has declined over time but has shown a slight resurgence in recent years.
In total, there have been 6269 births with the name Kelley in the United States since 1882.