| Meaning | warrior, bright-headed |
| Origin | Gaelic, Irish |
| Gender | gender neutral |
| Opposite gender | Kelly |
| Popularity | Moderate |
| Length | 5 |
| Syllables | 2 |
| Syllabification | Kel-ly |
Kelly, with its Irish and Gaelic roots, is a name that exudes strength and intelligence. Originally a surname, it has gracefully transitioned into a popular given name for both boys and girls. As a male name, Kelly holds a special charm with its timeless appeal.
The meaning of Kelly, "bright-headed" or "warrior," reflects the essence of a courageous and smart individual. It bestows a sense of determination upon the bearer, encouraging them to face challenges with resilience and tenacity.
Its variations, such as Kellie and Kelley, offer parents creative options while maintaining the name's core identity. The name's similarity to other classic male names like Kevin and Kyle further reinforces its familiarity and attractiveness.
Throughout history, Kelly has been carried by noteworthy figures in various fields, from sports to entertainment. Surfing champion Kelly Slater, aerospace engineer Kelly Johnson, and musician Kelly Jones are just a few examples of the name's prevalence in prominent circles.
Even in fiction, the name Kelly has left its mark with characters like Kelly Taylor from "Beverly Hills, 90210" and Kelly Severide from "Chicago Fire," endearing it to audiences worldwide.
Choosing the name Kelly for your baby boy imparts a legacy of bravery and brilliance. It is a name that will stand the test of time and serve as a constant source of inspiration for the extraordinary journey that lies ahead.
| Kel |
| K.L. |
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| Kelly Johnson | American aerospace engineer and designer of the SR-71 Blackbird |
| Kelly Clarkson | American singer and winner of the inaugural season of American Idol |
| Kelly Reichardt | American film director and screenwriter |
| Kelly Ayotte | American politician and former U.S. Senator |
| Kelly Hansen | American rock singer with the band Foreigner |
| Kelly Rowland | American singer and member of Destiny's Child |
| Kelly Olynyk | Canadian professional basketball player |
| Kelly Pavlik | American former professional boxer |
| Kelly Cutrone | American fashion publicist and television personality |
| Kelly Tripucka | American retired NBA player |
| Kelly McGillis | American actress known for her role in "Top Gun" |
| Kelly Blatz | American actor and musician |
| Kelly Reno | Former American actor, known for his role in "The Black Stallion" |
| Kelly Sutherland | Canadian chuckwagon racer |
| Kelly Jones | Welsh singer and lead vocalist of the Stereophonics |
| Kelly Slater | American actor known for "Days of Thunder" and "Heathers" |
| Kelly Groucutt | English musician and bassist of Electric Light Orchestra |
| Kelly Rutherford | American actress known for her role in "Gossip Girl" |
| Kelly Chen | Hong Kong singer and actress |
| Kelly Taylor | A character from the TV series "Beverly Hills, 90210" |
| Kelly Severide | A character from the TV series "Chicago Fire" |
| Kelly Gaines | A character from the movie "Bad News Bears" |
| Kelly Leak | A character from the movie "The Bad News Bears" |
| Kelly Garrett | A character from the TV series and movie "Charlie's Angels" |
| Kelly Bundy | A character from the TV series "Married... with Children" |
| Kelly Kapoor | A character from the TV series "The Office" - US |
| Kelly Burkhardt | A character from the TV series "Grimm" |
| Kelly Parker | A character from the movie "Center Stage" |
| Kelly Canter | A character from the movie "Country Strong" |
| Kelly Robinson | A character from the movie "Undercover Brother" |
| Kelly O'Shea | A character from the movie "Summer School" |
| Kelly Myers | A character from the movie "Donnie Darko" |
| Kelly Van Ryan | A character from the movie "Wild Things" |
| Kelly Moss | A character from the movie "F/X2" |