Kelly
Kelly comes from the Irish surname Ó Ceallaigh, derived from "ceallach" — meaning bright-headed, strife, or possibly "church-goer." The name was brought to the US by Irish immigrants and crossed from surname to first-name usage in the mid-20th century, originally for boys but increasingly for girls. Kelly was a top-100 American name for girls from 1959 to 1990, peaking at #13 in 1977. The peak was so concentrated that Kelly now reads as definitively 1970s-80s. Kelly Ripa (born 1970), the TV host, has kept the name visible. Kelly Clarkson (born 1982), the first winner of "American Idol," gave the name a contemporary musical charge. I find Kelly has a friendly, slightly Irish quality — the "K" opening is firm, and the "ee" ending gives it brightness. The name has been outside the US top 500 since 2016. Kelly is a unisex name of Irish origin that means "Bright-headed (from Ó Ceallaigh)". 70s-80s, friendly, and a little Irish. The name sounds approachable. Kellys tend to be social. US peaked #13 in 1977. Outside top 500 since 2016. Well-known people named Kelly include Kelly Ripa (TV host), Kelly Clarkson (singer), Kelly (Irish surname), Kelly Slater (surfer, male). Common variations and related forms of Kelly include Kelley (variant), Kellie (variant), Kelley (variant), Kel (short form).