Kelly
Meaning: Bright-headed, war, strife
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Gender: Unisex
Rank in Ireland: #1906
Total births: 3,357
History: Kelly is associated with the Irish craft of storytelling, kept alive at firesides from Achill Island to the Blackstairs Mountains. Each generation adds its own chapter to the name's story. It remains one of Ireland's most endearing choices.
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Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Ireland’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2023) | #404 |
| Babies named Kelly in 2023 | 9 |
| Total recorded in Ireland | 3,357 |
| Peak year | 1996 (171 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #35 |
| Years in records | 1969–2023 (54 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↑ 225 spots |
Frequently asked about Kelly
What does the name Kelly mean?
Kelly means “Bright-headed, war, strife” from Irish Gaelic roots.
What is the origin of the name Kelly?
Kelly has Irish Gaelic origin. The traditional meaning is “Bright-headed, war, strife”.
How popular is Kelly in Ireland?
Kelly ranked #404 in Ireland in 2023 — given to 9 babies that year.
When was Kelly most popular?
Kelly peaked in 1996 with 171 babies registered that year in Ireland.
Is Kelly a boy or girl name?
Kelly is predominantly a girls' name in Ireland — over 90% of Kellys in registered births are female.
Is the name Kelly rising or falling in popularity?
Kelly has risen 225 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in Ireland — from #629 in 2018 to #404 in 2023.
How long has Kelly been recorded in Ireland?
Kelly appears in birth records in Ireland across 54 years — from 1969 through 2023.