Names that Peaked in 1968

6 Letter Boy Names

Names Ending in Y for Boys

Two Syllable Names for Boys

Names that end in y

Halloween Baby Names: Greatest Ghost Names– Araminta, Caspar and Claudia

The REAL Top Baby Names of All Time!

Unisex Names That Switched From Boy to Girl

Kelley is primarily an Irish surname that evolved into a masculine given name. It derives from the Gaelic 'Ó Ceallaigh' meaning 'descendant of Ceallach,' an ancient personal name potentially meaning 'bright-headed' or 'troublesome.' While traditionally used as a boy's name, Kelley has become increasingly gender-neutral in modern usage, though it remains more common for males. The spelling with the extra 'e' distinguishes it slightly from the more feminine-leaning 'Kelly.' As a first name, Kelley gained modest popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century but has gradually declined since the 1980s. The name carries connotations of Irish heritage and is often associated with strength and resilience.

Kelley

Kelly

6 Letter Girl Names

Names Ending in Y for Girls

Two Syllable Names for Girls

Kelley is primarily a feminine name in modern usage, though it originated as an Irish surname derived from the Gaelic 'Ó Ceallaigh' meaning 'descendant of Ceallach' (bright-headed or troublesome). As a given name, Kelley represents one of several spelling variations including Kelly, Kelli, and Kellie, with this particular spelling adding a touch of distinction. It gained popularity as a first name in the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s, riding the wave of surname-to-first-name conversions. Kelley maintains a friendly, approachable quality while honoring Irish heritage. The name strikes a balance between familiarity and uniqueness – recognizable but not overly common. Though its peak popularity has passed, Kelley continues to be appreciated for its Celtic roots and gender-versatile appeal.

Kelley

Kelley Origin and Meaning

Kelley Rank in US Top 1000

20 Names Similar to Kelley

Famous People Named Kelley

The name Kelley in Nameberry Blog Posts