Keilly
2025 SSA
Below 5 births
About Keilly
Keilly is a feminine name that appears to be a modern variation of Kelly, which originated as an Irish surname meaning 'warrior' or 'bright-headed.' The unusual spelling adds a distinctive touch while maintaining the familiar pronunciation. This variant emerged during the trend of creating unique spellings for traditional names, likely gaining some usage from the 1990s onward. While the traditional Kelly was extremely popular in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s, Keilly remains relatively rare, offering familiarity in sound but uniqueness in appearance. The name carries the spirited, strong connotations of its Irish origin while the spelling gives it a contemporary flair.
Keilly for boys
Keilly is a masculine name that appears to be a modern variant spelling, possibly of Kelly or Keily. Originally an Irish surname derived from 'Ó Ceallaigh' meaning 'descendant of Ceallach' (which referred to 'bright-headed' or 'troublesome'), it transitioned to use as a given name. While Kelly became more commonly associated with girls in the latter 20th century, Keilly with this particular spelling retains usage as a masculine name in some communities. The distinctive 'ei' spelling gives it a unique visual quality while maintaining the familiar pronunciation. Keilly remains rare in mainstream usage, making it an uncommon choice that stands out while still having recognizable roots. Regional and cultural variations may affect how the name is perceived and pronounced.
Pronounced KEEL-ee.
As of October 2026, Keilly ranked #9165 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #3382 in 2011.
Popularity & trends
Data table
| Year | US rank | Births | Per million |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | — | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | — | 0 | 0 |