Kelly surname: meaning and origin
Kelly means descendant of Ceallach, a name often explained as strife or bright-headed (the meaning is debated). It is a native Gaelic Irish family from Galway and Roscommon (Uí Maine), also Wicklow and Meath.
| Irish form | Ó Ceallaigh |
|---|---|
| Meaning | descendant of Ceallach, a name often explained as strife or bright-headed (the meaning is debated) |
| Home region | Galway and Roscommon (Uí Maine), also Wicklow and Meath (Connacht) |
| Origin | Gaelic |
| Variants | O'Kelly |
History of the Kelly name
Kelly belongs to several separate families, the largest being the lords of Uí Maine in Connacht, whose territory covered parts of Galway and Roscommon.
More surnames from Connacht
- Burkede Búrca · of the fortress or town
- ConnollyÓ Conghaile · descendant of Conghal
- O'ConnorÓ Conchobhair · descendant of Conchobhar
- EganMac Aodhagáin · son of Aodhagán
- FlanaganÓ Flannagáin · descendant of Flannagán
- HigginsÓ hUiginn · descendant of Uiginn
Frequently asked questions
What does the surname Kelly mean?
Kelly (Irish: Ó Ceallaigh) means descendant of Ceallach, a name often explained as strife or bright-headed (the meaning is debated).
What is the Irish spelling of Kelly?
The Irish-language form of Kelly is Ó Ceallaigh.
Where is the surname Kelly from?
Kelly is a native Gaelic Irish family, associated with Galway and Roscommon (Uí Maine), also Wicklow and Meath in Connacht.
What are other spellings of Kelly?
Related spellings and forms include O'Kelly.