Summary

The surname Kelly is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name Ó Ceallaigh, meaning 'descendant of Ceallach'. It has a rich history and is one of the most prominent surnames in Ireland.
There are
267394
Kellys in the USA
Kelly is the
74th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Kelly

GraceKelly

Grace Kelly was an American actress who became Princess of Monaco after marrying Prince Rainier III in 1956. She is known for her roles in films such as 'Dial M for Murder' and 'Rear Window.'

GeneKelly

Gene Kelly was an American actor, dancer, and singer best known for his energetic and athletic dancing style. He starred in classic musical films such as 'Singin' in the Rain' and 'An American in Paris.'

NedKelly

Ned Kelly was an Australian bushranger and outlaw who became a folk hero in Australia. He was known for his gang's confrontations with the police and his distinctive homemade metal armor.

EllsworthKelly

Ellsworth Kelly was an American painter, sculptor, and printmaker associated with hard-edge painting and Color Field painting. His works often featured simple shapes and bright colors.

KellyClarkson

Kelly Clarkson is an American singer, songwriter, and television personality. She rose to fame as the winner of the first season of 'American Idol' in 2002 and has since become a successful recording artist.

R.Kelly

R. Kelly is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. He gained popularity in the 1990s with his R&B albums, including '12 Play' and 'R.' Kelly.' However, he has also faced numerous legal issues and controversies.

KellyRipa

Kelly Ripa is an American television host, actress, and producer. She is best known as the co-host of the talk show 'Live! with Kelly and Ryan' and for her role on the soap opera 'All My Children.'

MachineGun

Machine Gun Kelly, whose real name is Colson Baker, is an American rapper, singer, and actor. He gained recognition for his mixtapes and released his major-label debut album, 'Lace Up,' in 2012.

MinkaKelly

Minka Kelly is an American actress known for her roles in television series such as 'Friday Night Lights' and 'Parenthood.' She has also appeared in films like '500 Days of Summer' and 'The Roommate.'

GraceKelly

Grace Kelly was an American actress who became Princess of Monaco after marrying Prince Rainier III in 1956. She is known for her roles in films such as 'Dial M for Murder' and 'Rear Window.'

Kelly Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Kelly' is of Irish origin and is derived from the Irish name 'Ó Ceallaigh,' meaning 'descendant of Ceallach.' Ceallach is a personal name that means 'bright-headed' or 'strife.'
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Kelly' has a strong presence in Ireland and is also common among the Irish diaspora in countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Kelly' include 'O'Kelly,' 'Kelley,' 'O'Kelley,' 'Kelleher,' 'O'Keeffe,' 'Kellerman,' 'O'Kelly-Lochlainn,' 'O'Kelly-Rourke,' 'MacKelly,' and 'O'Malley.'
Migration and ImmigrationMany people with the surname 'Kelly' emigrated from Ireland to countries like the United States and Canada, especially during the Irish Potato Famine in the mid-19th century. Today, 'Kelly' is a common surname among Irish Americans.