Kelis

♀ Girl

Pronounced kə-LEES /kəˈlis/Medium

Meaning: Modern coinage — famously a blend of the parents' names Kenneth and Lisa (singer Kelis); no traditional rootLow

In 30 seconds: Modern and soulful: Kelis is a blend-name (Kenneth + Lisa), made famous by the singer. Sleek, bold, and one-of-a-kind.

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Origin LowAmerican

MeaningModern coinage — famously a blend of the parents' names Kenneth and Lisa (singer Kelis); no traditional root

U.S. rank (2025)#5040 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births26 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2007

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,871

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Kelis is a modern coinage — famously a blend of the parents' names Kenneth and Lisa, borne by the R&B singer Kelis. It has no traditional root, which we note; the sound carries it.

It registers thinly in records. Rare, a-parental-blend at the root, and sleek.

Did you know? Singer Kelis got her name from a blend of her parents' names — Kenneth and Lisa; it's a sleek, modern coinage with a soulful ring.

Overall data confidence 55%

U.S. Social Security Administration name files — blend-name

Variations

KellisKelisa

Nicknames

Keli

Famous Bearers

★Kelis (1979-)
American singer and songwriter known for the hit song Milkshake (2003)

If you like Kelis…

Janelle— another modern coinage

Kaycee— shares Kelis's American roots

Kinsleigh— a similarly popular pick

Kaliah— shares Kelis's American roots

Kailynn— a similarly popular pick

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Kelis mean?

Kelis is a modern coinage, famously a blend of the parents' names Kenneth and Lisa; it has no traditional meaning.

How do you pronounce Kelis?

It's said kə-LEES /kəˈlis/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Kelis a boy or girl name?

Kelis is a girl's name.

How popular is Kelis?

Kelis is a rare name in the U.S.