Christian Name Meaning & Origin Guide
Kelly
Maiden or bright one
Pronunciation: KEL-ee (/ˈkɛli/)
Meaning
Maiden or bright one
Origin
Biblical
Lucky Number
5
Lucky Day
Friday
Lucky Stone
Emerald
Life Path
3
Popularity Score
55
Language
English, Hebrew, Greek, Latin
Lucky Colors: GreenBlue
What does Kelly mean?
Derived from the Celtic name Ceilidh, meaning 'bright' or 'lively'. In Irish, the name Kelly means 'noble-headed' or 'warrior'.
Kelly in other languages & scripts
Hebrew
Kelly
שם נוצרי שפירושו Maiden or bright one
Greek
Κέλλι
10-15
Latin
Kelly
nomen Hibernicum
English
Kelly
warrior or warrior woman
How to pronounce Kelly
English pronunciation
KEL-ee
Biblical pronunciation
not applicable
IPA notation
/ˈkɛli/
Numerology & personality
Expressiveness, creativity, and communication.
Associated Traits
CompassionateLoyalD = DevotedS = Spiritual
Spiritual & cultural context
Symbol of purity, grace, and inner strength.
The name Kelly gained significant popularity outside of its Celtic roots thanks to St. Kelly, an Irish monk born in County Meath in the early 6th century. He is the patron saint of Bellanake, Ireland, and that region has maintained a strong association with the Kelly name. Additionally, the name became famous worldwide due to iconic figures such as the American actress and singer, Kelly Clarkson.
Popularity of Kelly by region
| Region | Country | Score | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | US | 47 | 2024 |
| United Kingdom | UK | 65 | 2024 |
Spelling variations of Kelly
Celly
Names similar to Kelly
Frequently asked questions about Kelly
What does Kelly mean?
Kelly is a beautiful and ancient name with deep roots in Irish and Celtic culture. Derived from the Celtic name Ceilidh, it means 'bright' or 'lively'. In Irish, the name Kelly means 'noble-headed' or 'warrior'.
Is Kelly a Christianity name?
Yes, Kelly is a Christian name with deep roots in Irish and Celtic culture.
How to pronounce Kelly?
Kelly is pronounced 'KEH-lee' or 'KEHL-ee'.
Is Kelly popular today?
Yes, Kelly is a popular name around the world.
What is the origin of Kelly?
The name Kelly originated in Ireland and Scotland, and is derived from the Celtic name Ceilidh, meaning 'bright' or 'lively'.