Kelly

Kelly derives from the Irish and Scottish Gaelic surname Ó Ceallaigh, meaning descendant of Ceallach, where Ceallach is an old Gaelic personal name generally interpreted as meaning bright-headed, troublesome, or relating to the word for church or monastery. It was one of the most common surnames in Ireland before making the transition to a given name, used first for boys and then widely adopted for girls, particularly in English-speaking countries during the mid-twentieth century. The American actress Grace Kelly helped bring glamour to the name in the 1950s. Related forms include Kelley, Kelli, and Kellie.