Meaning: Its source is Ceallach, an Irish Gaelic name meaning "Strife, war."

Alternative Spellings: Kelley

Source Forms: Ceallach

Popularity: The name Kelly ranked 887th in popularity for males of all ages in a sample of 2000-2003 Social Security Administration statistics and 248th in popularity for males of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.

Though this name has fluctuated in use, it has been quietly present throughout the last century.

Narrative: Alternate interpretations of Ceallach range from ''bellicose'' to ''church-goer.'' Also, Kelly is a Scottish placename, possibly derived from a Pictish expression referring to the holly tree.

The Irish O'Kelly clan figures prominently in the colorful and tragic history of Ireland. It was their surname that inspired the use of the personal name, mainly for boys, at the the beginning of the 20th century.

The use of this name among girls was probably influenced by American movie star Grace Kelly (1928-1982).

Meaning: Its source is Ceallach, an Irish Gaelic name meaning "Strife, war."

Languages: This girl's name is used in English.

Compound Forms: Keliana, Kelilyn, Kellianne, Kellyann and Kellyjo

Alternative Spellings: Keli, Kelie, Kelle, Kellee, Kelley, Kelli, Kellie, Kellye, Kellea and Kailey

Variant Forms: Kayla, Keleigh, Kelia, Kelise, Kelleen, Kelleigh, Kellene, Kellina, Kelline, Kiley, Kaylie, Kailee and Qeleigh

Source Forms: Ceallach

Popularity: The name Kelly ranked 119th in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of 2000-2003 Social Security Administration statistics and 67th in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census.

This name is highly rated both on the 1990 U.S. Census list and in state data recording the most popular baby names.

Narrative: Alternate interpretations of Ceallach range from ''bellicose'' to ''church-goer.'' The Scottish placename Kelly, possibly derived from a Pictish expression referring to the holly tree, is another possible influence.

The Irish O'Kelly clan figures prominently in the colorful and tragic history of Ireland. Their surname inspired the use of the personal name Kelly, mainly for boys, starting at the the beginning of the 20th century.

The use of this name among girls was probably influenced by American movie star Grace Kelly. She won a 1954 Best Actress Oscar for her performance in Country Girl, but forsook Hollywood in 1956 to marry Prince Rainier of Monaco. The Prince and Princess reigned together over their tiny Mediterranean principality until her death in 1982.