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For US Baby names

Summary

The name Kelly has Irish origins, meaning 'warrior' or 'bright-headed', derived from the Gaelic surname Ó Ceallaigh. It evolved from Ceallach through its surname form. The name gained popularity in the 20th century, especially in the United States and Australia. It is associated with friendliness and warmth. There is no biblical relevance, and variants include Kelli and Kellie.

The name Kelly is most popular in Wyoming, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation X (Gen X) generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been gradually declining. From 2020-2022, Kelly has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, too falling for male in West, falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, falling for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, falling for female in West. Across generations, 'Kelly' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 541st out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 464th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 184th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 143rd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 310th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1055th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1572nd out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2789th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1780th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 119th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 12th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 33rd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 151st out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 605th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Kelly' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.