Name meaning & stats
Kelly
Kelly (Irish origin). 552,110 US babies since 1940, peak 1968. Notable Kellys are 1.8× over-represented as footballers.
What it means
No agreed meaning on record
Irish
From the surname Ó Ceallaigh.
In US birth records
Peak year: 1968
552,110 US babies were named Kelly between 1940 and 2025.
Where Kellys end up
| Career | vs expected | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Actor | 1.2× | High · 73 people |
| Footballer | 1.8× | High · 33 people |
| Politician | 1.0× | High · 33 people |
| Model | 1.8× | High · 31 people |
Among notable women who are footballers, Kellys show up 1.8× as often as you'd expect from how common the name is.
Notable people born 1940–2005 in the US, UK, Canada and Australia (Wikidata). Patterns, not destiny.
One more thing…
Kelly has a surprise career: 1.8×
Spelling family
The most common spelling: 73% of the family
Names that sound the same, grouped by Heyotag. Share of US babies since 1940.
Name twins (peaked around 1968)