US Popularity Rank: 1250

Origin: Irish

Meaning: Descendant of Ceallach; Bright-headed; War, strife; One who frequents churches

Kelly is a gender-neutral baby name of Irish origin. Meaning "descendent of Ceallach" this name is packed with history and mystery alike. Kelly is an Anglicized name of the family name Ó Ceallaigh. Still a widely popular surname on the Emerald Isle, it remains the second most common there and 836th most common in the world! This family name still runs on as a first name, too, and can mean "bright-headed," "war," "strife," or "Oone who frequents churches." Whether baby has Irish roots or not, with a name like Kelly, the path ahead will be bright as the sun.