Keli
2025 SSA
Below 5 births
About Keli
Keli is a short, feminine name with multiple possible origins. It could be a variant spelling of Kelly (an Irish surname meaning "warrior" or "bright-headed"), a shortened form of names like Kelila or Keely, or possibly a Hawaiian name meaning "the powerful one." This cross-cultural versatility adds to its appeal. Keli's simplified spelling gives it a modern, streamlined quality compared to the more common Kelly. While never ranked among the most popular names in the US, it saw modest usage during the 1970s and 1980s when short, familiar-sounding names were trending. The name's brevity and easy pronunciation make it accessible across many languages and cultures.
Keli is also given to boys.
Pronounced KEL-ee.
As of October 2026, Keli ranked #11424 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #825 in 1979.
Popularity & trends
Data table
| Year | US rank · girls | Births · girls | US rank · boys | Births · boys |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Keli on lists
Famous Kelis
- Keli GoffGirl
American journalist, playwright and screenwriter
- Tynisha Keli SoaresGirl
American R&B singer