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Home › Baby Names Directory › Kelley

Kelley

♂ Boy

Pronounced KEL-ee /ˈkɛl.i/High

Meaning: From the Irish O Ceallaigh, variously 'bright-headed' and 'a warrior; strife'; a surname used for both sexesLow

In 30 seconds: Bright-headed; a warrior: Kelley is an Irish surname. Crisp, classic, and warm. Used for both sexes.
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Origin LowIrish
MeaningFrom the Irish O Ceallaigh, variously 'bright-headed' and 'a warrior; strife'; a surname used for both sexes
U.S. rank (2025)#8601 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births9 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1968
Total births (all-time)≈ 6,286

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 196818822025

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

Kelley comes from the Irish O Ceallaigh, variously 'bright-headed' and 'a warrior; strife'; a surname used for both sexes (routes layered, which we note). A crisp, classic name (here for a boy; slug distinguished; said 'KEL-ee').

In the U.S. it appears as a surname-style given name for both sexes. Rare, bright-headed-and-a-warrior at the root, and crisp.

Did you know? Kelley comes from the Irish O Ceallaigh, variously 'bright-headed' and 'a warrior; strife' — a crisp, spirited name used for both sexes (the routes are layered, which we note; said 'KEL-ee').
Overall data confidence 32%
References — Kelley — Irish surname; unisex; routes layered

Variations

KellyKelliKellie

Nicknames

Kel

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Kelley…

Kelly— a kin spelling
Kellen— a sound-neighbor Kel- boys' name
Kacey— a similarly popular pick
Kasey— shares Kelley's Irish roots
Conley— echoes that soft -ey sound

Explore names like Kelley

By themeuncertainunisexsurname-nameirish
By meaningLightWarrior

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Kelley mean?

Kelley is an Irish surname — variously 'bright-headed' and 'a warrior; strife'; used for both sexes; here for a boy. The routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Kelley?

It's said KEL-ee /ˈkɛl.i/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Kelley a boy or girl name?

Kelley is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Kelley?

Kelley is a very rare name in the U.S. today.

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