Kelly Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Kelly come from? What does the surname Kelly mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Kelly and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Kelley, Kellie, Kellis, Kellison, Kilkelly, Killeen
Surname Kelly Origin: What does the last name Kelly mean?
Kelly is a surname of Irish origin, with roots in the Ui Maine clan. The name is derived from the Irish Ó Ceallaigh, meaning "descendant of Ceallach" or "warrior/fighter." It can also be linked to the Irish Ó Cadhla, translating to "descendant of Cadhla." The surname has toponymic origins in Ireland and Great Britain and patronyms in the Irish language. The name Kelly is one of the most common in Ireland and has spread to regions like Galloway and the Isle of Man. With variants like O'Kelly, Kelley, and Kellie, it is the most prevalent surname in Ireland and is held by approximately half a million individuals worldwide.
YourRoots data reveals that the Kelly surname has been present in England since the early 13th century, with a notable increase in records in the United States by the 17th century. Today, the surname is widespread in countries like the United States, England, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and Scotland, indicating a significant migration and population growth over the centuries. The Kelly name continues to be prominent globally, reflecting a rich heritage and widespread presence across various regions and cultures.
Kelly Last Name History: Where did the last name Kelly come from?
Origin of Kelly Surname: Where does the last name Kelly originate from?
According to the information gathered from YourRoots, the earliest known record of the surname Kelly was found in England during the early 13th century. It's important to note that this is based on the precise spelling of "Kelly" as recorded in the YourRoots database, and does not account for potential variations in the spelling of the surname or other sources of historical data.
History of the Last Name Kelly: What does the Kelly surname history look like in the early days?
The Kelly surname was most prevalent in England from the 13th to the 15th century, according to the YourRoots data. However, by the 17th century, the frequency of records associated with the Kelly surname began to increase rapidly in the United States, indicating a significant migration or population growth during this time period. The surname Kelly, therefore, has roots both in the United Kingdom and the United States.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Kelly surname today?
As per the data from YourRoots, the volume of records with the Kelly surname has grown significantly in the United States since the 17th century. This trend continued through the 18th and 19th centuries, with the United States recording the highest volume of Kelly surnames. Today, the Kelly surname can be found in a multitude of countries around the world, with the United States remaining the most prominent. However, the surname Kelly is also common in countries such as England, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and Scotland, among others.
Explore Kelly last name heritage and Kelly surname origin based on YourRoots Map data
VIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME KELLY
Famous People With Kelly Surame?
R. Kelly
Robert Sylvester Kelly (Jan 8, 1967 - ) is an American former singer, songwriter, and record producer known for his success in R&B, hip hop, and pop music. Despite his commercial success, his career ended in 2019 due to his legal issues involving sexual abuse of minors.
Grace Kelly
Grace Patricia Kelly (Nov 12, 1929 - Sept 14, 1982) was an American actress who later became Princess of Monaco. Known for her roles in classic Hollywood films, she won an Academy Award and three Golden Globe Awards. Kelly's legacy extends beyond the screen, with her charitable work and establishment of the Princess Grace Foundation.
Minka Kelly
Minka Kelly (June 24, 1980 - ) is an American actress known for her roles in popular TV series like Friday Night Lights, Parenthood, and Titans. She has also starred in films like The Roommate and 500 Days of Summer. Kelly is also a philanthropist and author of the memoir Tell Me Everything: A Memoir.
Gene Kelly
Eugene Curran Kelly (Aug 23, 1912 – Feb 2, 1996) was a renowned American dancer, actor, singer, and director. Known for his dynamic dancing style, he starred in classic musical films like "Singin' in the Rain" and "An American in Paris," revolutionizing the Hollywood musical genre.
Moira Kelly
Moira Kelly (Mar 6, 1968) is an American actress known for iconic roles in "The Cutting Edge," "One Tree Hill," and "Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me." She also voiced Nala in "The Lion King" franchise. Kelly's versatile career includes drama, comedy, and TV shows like "The West Wing."
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