Kelli

Kelli is a feminine name that originated as a variant spelling of Kelly. With Irish roots, it derives from the surname Ó Ceallaigh, meaning 'descendant of Ceallach' (which means 'bright-headed' or 'troublesome'). This spelling variation gained significant popularity in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s, peaking in the early 1980s. Kelli offers a slightly more feminine and modernized spelling compared to Kelly. The name has a friendly, approachable quality while maintaining a touch of spunk that reflects its Celtic heritage. Though its peak popularity has passed, Kelli remains recognizable and continues to be used, appreciated for its cheerful sound and straightforward spelling that distinguishes it slightly from the more traditional Kelly.

Kelli is also given to boys.

Pronounced KEL-ee.

As of October 2026, Kelli ranked #10498 in US births in 1998 SSA, peaked at #2365 in 1969.