Kelso

♂ Boy

Kelso Pronunciation

Kelso is pronounced KEL-soh /ˈkɛl.soʊ/High

Meaning: From the Scottish town Kelso — Old English calc-hoh, 'chalk ridge/spur'Medium

In 30 seconds: Scottish and snappy: Kelso is a Border-town name — 'the chalk ridge'. Crisp, cool, and distinctive (That '70s Show's Kelso).

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Origin MediumScottish

MeaningFrom the Scottish town Kelso — Old English calc-hoh, 'chalk ridge/spur'

U.S. rank (2024)#4367 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births24 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 373

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Kelso comes from the Scottish Border town of Kelso — from Old English calc-hoh, 'chalk ridge or spur'. A crisp, distinctive place-and-surname name.

It registers thinly in records. Rare, the-chalk-ridge at the root, and crisp.

Did you know? Kelso is a town in the Scottish Borders — from Old English calc-hoh, 'chalk ridge' — a crisp, cool surname/place-name (That '70s Show's Kelso made it pop).

Overall data confidence 70%

Place-name references — Kelso — etymology

Variations

Kelsoe

Nicknames

Kel

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Kelso…

Kelvin— a fellow Kel- name

Kellan— a companion Kel- name

Calder— another Scottish place-name

Sutton— a fellow place-derived name

→ See all names like Kelso

Browse the whole category: All Scottish names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Kelso?

Kelso is pronounced KEL-soh (/ˈkɛl.soʊ/). Press play above to hear Kelso said aloud.

How do you say Kelso?

Kelso is said KEL-soh (/ˈkɛl.soʊ/). Press play above to hear Kelso said aloud.

What does the name Kelso mean?

Kelso is a Scottish town name, 'the chalk ridge' (Old English calc-hoh).

Is Kelso a boy or girl name?

Kelso is a boy's name.

How popular is Kelso?

Kelso is a rare name in the U.S.