Keilly is a unique and captivating female given name of Irish origin. Its meaning is derived from the Irish surname "O'Kelly," which is believed to mean " bright-headed" or "vigorously energetic." The name Keilly is thought to have been an anglicized form of the Irish name O'Ceallaigh, which was originally O'Cellaigh.
The history of the name Keilly can be traced back to medieval Ireland. It is associated with a sept, or clan, called Uí Ceallaigh, who were one of the most powerful and influential families in Connacht, an ancient province in western Ireland. The Uí Ceallaigh are believed to have been descendants of Ceallach, a prince who lived during the 12th century.
Over time, the name O'Ceallaigh evolved into various forms, including Keilly, Kelly, and Cully. These variations were often used as given names, particularly in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora around the world. Today, Keilly is still a rare but distinctive name that carries with it a sense of history and cultural heritage.
In popular culture, there are no notable figures or characters named Keilly that would be widely recognized. However, this lack of fame does not diminish the charm and allure of this unique Irish name. Keilly remains an attractive choice for parents seeking a beautiful and meaningful name for their daughter that is rich in history and character.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Keilly has seen varying popularity over time in the United States. The earliest recorded year for Keilly is 1993 with a total of 6 births. There was a noticeable increase from 20 births in 2000 to a peak of 48 births in 2011, indicating growing popularity during this period.
However, since 2011, the number of Keilly births has been decreasing, with only 15 births recorded in 2022 and 11 births so far in 2023. This trend suggests a decline in the name's popularity over recent years.
In total, there have been 586 babies named Keilly born in the United States since 1993.