Kelly
GirlIrish
Kelly is a girl name of Irish origin meaning "warrior; also interpreted as bright-headed".
About this name
Gender
Girl
Language
Irish
Religion
None
Popularity
30 / 100
Syllables
2
Length
5 letters
Meaning
warrior; also interpreted as bright-headed
Etymology
Kelly originates from the Irish surname Ó Ceallaigh, meaning 'descendant of Ceallach'. The personal name Ceallach derives from the Gaelic word 'ceall' meaning 'war' or 'bright-headed'.
Famous People Named Kelly
- Kelly Clarkson — American singer-songwriter (born 1982)
- Kelly Preston — American actress (1962–2020)
- Kelly Macdonald — Scottish actress
- Kelly Trump — German pornographic actress
Frequently Asked Questions About Kelly
What does the name Kelly mean?
Kelly means "warrior; also interpreted as bright-headed", and is of Irish origin.
What is the origin of the name Kelly?
Kelly originates from Irish, commonly used in Ireland.
Is Kelly a boy or girl name?
Kelly is typically used as a girl name.
What religion is the name Kelly associated with?
Kelly is associated with None.
Are there famous people named Kelly?
Yes — notable people named Kelly include Kelly Clarkson (American singer-songwriter, born 1982), Kelly Preston (American actress, 1962–2020), Kelly Macdonald (Scottish actress) and Kelly Trump (German pornographic actress).
Last updated: June 2026