Kelli

♀ Girl

Pronounced KEL-ee /ˈkɛl.i/High

Meaning: A spelling of Kelly — from the Irish surname O Ceallaigh, variously 'bright-headed' and 'descendant of Ceallach' (war/strife or 'bright-headed')Low

In 30 seconds: Bright-headed: Kelli spells Kelly. Crisp, classic, and warm.

💕 Browse more names

Origin LowIrish

MeaningA spelling of Kelly — from the Irish surname O Ceallaigh, variously 'bright-headed' and 'descendant of Ceallach' (war/strife or 'bright-headed')

U.S. rank (2025)#6690 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births17 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1970

Total births (all-time)≈ 74,892

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

Kelli is a spelling of Kelly — from the Irish surname O Ceallaigh, variously 'bright-headed' and 'descendant of Ceallach' (routes layered, which we note). A crisp, classic name (said 'KEL-ee').

In the U.S. it appears as a spelling of Kelly. Rare today, bright-headed at the root, and classic.

Did you know? Kelly comes from the Irish surname O Ceallaigh, variously 'bright-headed' and 'descendant of Ceallach' — Kelli is a spelling, crisp and classic (the routes are layered, which we note; said 'KEL-ee').

Overall data confidence 44%

References — Kelly — Irish surname; routes layered

Variations

KellyKellieKelley

Nicknames

—

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Kelli…

Kelly— the standard spelling

Kellie— a kin spelling

Kelley— a fellow spelling

Ryli— a fellow Irish choice

Kayli— echoes that soft -li sound

Explore names like Kelli

By themeuncertain surname-name irish

By meaningLight Warrior

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Kelli mean?

Kelli spells Kelly — from the Irish surname, variously 'bright-headed; descendant of Ceallach'; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Kelli?

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

Is Kelli a boy or girl name?

Kelli is a girl's name.

How popular is Kelli?

Kelli is a rare name in the U.S. today.