Kelly is a popular given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname Ó Ceallaigh, which is believed to mean "bright-headed" or "fiery-headed". The surname was originally given to people with red hair, as the word 'ceallach' translates to reddish-brown.
The use of Kelly as a female given name began in the United States in the late 19th century. It became increasingly popular throughout the mid-20th century and reached its peak popularity during the 1970s and 1980s. Today, it remains a widely recognized and loved name around the world.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Kelly. These include American actresses like Grace Kelly, who was known for her roles in films such as "Rear Window" and "High Society", and Cameron Diaz, famous for her parts in movies like "There's Something About Mary" and "Charlie's Angels". In addition, Australian singer Kylie Minogue is often referred to by her first name alone, Kelly.
In literature, the name appears frequently, with examples including Kelly Green, a character from the Nancy Drew mysteries series written by Carolyn Keene, and Kelly Caputo, one of the main characters in "The Kellys" by William Trevor. In popular culture, Kelly also makes an appearance as the given name of characters in various television shows and films.
Overall, the name Kelly has strong Irish roots but has been embraced globally due to its appealing sound and association with notable figures throughout history. Its meaning may vary depending on the source, but it generally translates to "bright-headed" or "fiery-headed". Despite variations in interpretation, this charming name remains a beloved choice for parents around the world seeking an attractive and distinctive option for their children.
The name Kelly has been a popular choice for baby girls in the United States over the past century. Between 1907 and 2023, there have been a total of 473,327 births registered with the name Kelly.
Looking at the statistics year by year, we can see that the popularity of the name has fluctuated significantly over time. In the early 1900s, the number of babies named Kelly was quite low, with fewer than 15 births per year between 1907 and 1926.
However, starting in the late 1920s, the popularity of the name began to rise steadily. By 1940, there were over 24 births per year, and this trend continued throughout the following decades. The peak of Kelly's popularity came in the mid-1960s, with a record high of 17,140 births in 1968.
Interestingly, even after its peak, the name Kelly remained quite popular for several more years, with over 12,000 births per year between 1963 and 1975. It was not until the late 1970s that the popularity of the name began to decline again.
Since then, the number of babies named Kelly has continued to decrease steadily. By 2020, there were only 366 births registered with the name, and in 2022, there were 347. This represents a significant drop from its peak popularity over half a century ago.
Despite this decline, it's clear that Kelly remains a beloved name for many families in the United States. Its long history of use and consistent presence on the top baby names lists demonstrate its enduring appeal. Whether you're looking for a classic name with staying power or a unique option with a rich history, Kelly is certainly worth considering.