Kelly

“Descendant of Ceallach, a name of uncertain meaning (perhaps bright-headed)” — Irish Gaelic origin

Girl's name · #852 in the US (2025) · Retro

Kelly reached #10 in 1977 and has faded to #852 since. About 474,000 girls have carried it since 1907. About 76% of babies named Kelly in recent years have been girls.

Around the world: about 1 in 1,800 girls in Sweden (2025) · about 1 in 2,400 girls in Switzerland (2024) · about 1 in 3,100 girls in Canada (2024).

Appears in 2020-2025 birth records of 25 states. See the full state-by-state map on this page.

Famous Kellys

Kelly Clarkson — American singer-songwriter (born 1982)
Kelly Rowland — American singer and actress (born 1981)
Kelly Preston — American actress (1962–2020)
Kelly Brook — British actress and model
Kelly Macdonald — Scottish actress

In stories & tradition

Kelly Taylor — Beverly Hills, 90210
Kelly Kapoor — The Office
Kelly Peyton — Alias

What Kellys become

Among 1,529 notable people named Kelly:

Sports figures appear 1.9× more often than among typical names — e.g. Kelly Holmes, British middle distance athlete and Olympic gold medallist.

Similar names: Celia · Leslie · Chelsea · Julie · Tara · Kara

Browse more girl names — popularity, trends and eras for 5,700+ American names, free.

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