Kelly

Kelly derives from the Irish and Scottish Gaelic surname Ó Ceallaigh, meaning descendant of Ceallach, where the root ceallach is interpreted as meaning bright-headed, troublesome, or relating to the church, though scholars debate the precise sense. It was originally a surname of major Irish clans before widespread adoption as a given name, particularly in English-speaking countries during the twentieth century. Its rise as a feminine given name was boosted in part by American actress Grace Kelly. Variant forms include Kellie, and the name shares its Gaelic root with Kelley.