girlIrish

Kelly: Meaning & Origin

Kelly is a girl's name of Irish origin meaning “Warrior; Germanic origin meaning "fighter" or "soldier".” With 2 syllables, it is short and easy to say. Common nicknames include Kel. As of 2023, Kelly ranks #773 among girls' names in the United States and has been gradually declining. Its highest US ranking was #655 in 2019.

Love Kelly? and compare it with your partner.

Pronunciation

KEL-ee

Phonetic spelling

Popularity

68/100 Score

Currently #773 among US baby names.

Nicknames

Kel

Popularity Trend

34%
35
2019
23
2023
#773
US Rank

* Based on US Social Security Administration birth-registration data

Middle Name Ideas

  • Kelly Marie
  • Kelly Ann
  • Kelly Rose
  • Kelly Lynn

Famous Namesakes

  • Kelly Clarkson (singer)
  • Kelly Ripa (TV host)

Variants & Alternate Spellings of Kelly

Frequently Asked Questions About Kelly

What does the name Kelly mean?

Kelly means “Warrior; Germanic origin meaning "fighter" or "soldier".” It is a girl's name of Irish origin.

How do you pronounce Kelly?

Kelly is pronounced KEL-ee.

Is Kelly a boy or girl name?

Kelly is most commonly used as a girl's name.

How popular is the name Kelly?

Kelly currently ranks #773 among girls' names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Kelly?

Popular nicknames for Kelly include Kel.

What are good middle names for Kelly?

Middle names that pair well with Kelly include Kelly Marie, Kelly Ann, Kelly Rose, Kelly Lynn.

Still deciding on the perfect name?

Save Kelly to your shortlist, swipe through thousands of names, and find the one you and your partner both love.