Kellye Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Kellye is an Irish name that originates from the surname 'Ó Ceallaigh', meaning 'descendant of Ceallach', with a personal name meaning 'warrior' or 'bright-headed'. The name has evolved through various forms, including Ceallach and Kelli. It gained popularity in the United States in the 20th century and is currently viewed as a modern and unique name. The name does not have biblical relevance.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Kellye"
Pronunciation
/ˈkɛli/
Origin
Irish
Etymology
The name Kellye is derived from the Irish surname 'Ó Ceallaigh', which means 'descendant of Ceallach'. The personal name Ceallach means 'warrior' or 'bright-headed'.
Meaning
warrior, bright-headed
Language Evolution
Ceallach, Ó Ceallaigh, Kelli, Kellye
Historical Usage
Kellye gained popularity in the United States during the 20th century, particularly from the 1960s onwards, as it became a fashionable name for girls.
Variants & Derivatives
Kelly, Kelli, Kellie
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Kellye is perceived as a modern and unique variation of the more common name Kelly, often associated with strength and femininity.
Famous People
Kellye Nakahara, Kellye Hightower, Kellye Gray
📊 Kellye Name Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Kellye Name Visualizations
✨ Kellye Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 145 peak births in 1987
Geographic Spread
Popular across 16 US states, with strongest presence in Tennessee
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 4 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Kellye" - Complete Guide (16 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Kellye". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 16 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Kellye" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Kellye"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Kellye"
"Kellye" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 1962nd of 12526 | 584 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1618th of 19264 | 969 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 2418th of 27321 | 766 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 22670th of 35406 | 28 |
Regional Popularity of "Kellye" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Kellye" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - |
39.01% 1113th/2853 |
69.33% 1924th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
86.82% 2550th/2937 |
- |
28.65% 1008th/3518 |
60.78% 2458th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
82.01% 3022nd/3685 |
- |
29.86% 1551st/5194 |
53.57% 3384th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Kellye"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Kellye" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Kellye" in the United States
The name Kellye is most popular in Tennessee, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation X (Gen X) generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Kellye has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Kellye' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1962nd out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1618th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2418th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 22670th out of 35406 names. Discover how the name 'Kellye' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.