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.
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 (January 8, 1967 - ) is an American former singer, songwriter, and record producer known for his success in R&B, hip hop, and pop music. He earned nicknames like "the King of R&B" and "the Pied Piper of R&B". Kelly released hit singles like "I Believe I Can Fly" and "Ignition (Remix)" and collaborated with artists such as Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston. However, his career ended in 2019 due to federal racketeering and sex trafficking charges involving sexual abuse of minors. He is currently serving a 31-year sentence for multiple charges of child sexual abuse.
Grace Kelly
Grace Patricia Kelly (Nov 12, 1929 – Sept 14, 1982) was an American actress known for her roles in Hollywood films in the 1950s. She won an Academy Award for Best Actress and three Golden Globe Awards. Kelly married Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1956, becoming Princess of Monaco until her death. She starred in iconic films like "High Noon", "Mogambo", and "Rear Window". Kelly retired from acting to focus on her royal duties and charity work, establishing foundations to support local artisans and children's rights. Her legacy lives on through the Princess Grace Awards, recognizing emerging performers in film, theatre, and dance.
Megyn Kelly
Megyn Marie Kelly (born Nov 18, 1970) is an American journalist, attorney, and media personality. She gained fame for her work at Fox News, hosting shows like America Live and The Kelly File. Kelly also moderated presidential debates and was named one of Time's 100 most influential people in 2014. After leaving Fox News, she joined NBC News briefly before transitioning to independent media with her own talk show and podcast. Known for her sharp interviewing style and coverage of breaking news, Kelly continues to be a prominent figure in the media industry.
Siena Kelly
Siena Nicole Kelly (born 1996) is a British actress known for her roles in various television series and stage productions. She gained recognition for her performance in the Channel 4 drama "Adult Material" (2020), earning a British Academy Television Award nomination. Kelly has also appeared in the Sky One series "Temple" (2019) and starred in the BBC Three fantasy series "Domino Day" (2024). With a background in dance and training from Arts Educational School, Kelly has showcased her talent across different mediums, solidifying her presence in the entertainment industry.
Minka Kelly
Minka Dumont Kelly (June 24, 1980 - ) is an American actress and philanthropist known for her roles in popular TV series like "Friday Night Lights," "Parenthood," and "Titans." She also starred in films such as "The Roommate" and "500 Days of Summer." Kelly is a New York Times Best Seller author and has designed charity jewelry products for Able. Born in Los Angeles, she overcame a challenging childhood to pursue a successful acting career, receiving praise for her performances and versatility in various roles.
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