Name Profile
Kelly
“Warrior or bright-headed” — Irish
About Kelly
Kelly is an energetic Irish unisex name that proudly means "warrior or bright-headed." Once predominantly a surname, it has transitioned seamlessly into a lively, approachable first name beloved for its upbeat and friendly cadence. This spirited choice captures a wonderful balance of Celtic heritage and modern charm.
Quick Facts
Nicknames for Kelly
Popularity in the U.S.
Kelly ranks #868 in U.S. SSA 2024 overall data with 310 births..
Kelly popularity chartUse the Births and Rank buttons to change the metric. The data values are listed below.Kelly had 3,615 births in 1999.
View chart data
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 8,822 | #84 |
| 1991 | 8,155 | #90 |
| 1992 | 7,546 | #95 |
| 1993 | 6,772 | #103 |
| 1994 | 5,830 | #122 |
| 1995 | 5,755 | #121 |
| 1996 | 5,073 | #143 |
| 1997 | 4,347 | #165 |
| 1998 | 3,943 | #180 |
| 1999 | 3,615 | #193 |
Middle Name Ideas
- Kelly Quinn
- Kelly Taylor
- Kelly Sky
More Names Like Kelly
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Kelly mean?
Kelly is commonly linked to the meaning Warrior or bright-headed and is associated with Irish roots.
Is Kelly a popular baby name in the U.S.?
Kelly ranks #868 in U.S. SSA 2024 overall data with 310 births..
What are common nicknames for Kelly?
Popular nicknames include Kel, Kely.