Kelso Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Kelso is a Scottish name meaning 'the place of the cell or monastery'. It evolved from the Gaelic 'Cealasa' to its current form. The name is linked to a rich cultural heritage and has gained recognition as a surname in Scotland since the 19th century. It carries a traditional image and is associated with notable individuals in various fields.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Kelso"
Pronunciation
/ˈkɛl.soʊ/
Origin
Scottish
Etymology
The name Kelso is derived from the Old Scottish Gaelic 'Cealasa', which means 'the place of the cell or monastery'.
Meaning
the place of the cell or monastery
Language Evolution
Cealasa, Kelso
Historical Usage
Kelso gained popularity as a place name and later as a surname in Scotland, particularly in the 19th century as families began to adopt fixed surnames.
Variants & Derivatives
Kelsey, Kelsie
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Kelso is perceived as a unique and traditional name, often associated with Scottish heritage.
Famous People
Kelso Cochrane, a notable figure in the civil rights movement, Kelso Durnell, a prominent actor
📊 Kelso Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Kelso Name Visualizations
✨ Kelso Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 24 peak births in 2024
Geographic Spread
Popular across 1 US states, with strongest presence in Kentucky
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 5 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Kelso"
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 "Kelso"
"Kelso" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 3918th of 7545 | 67 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 4434th of 6773 | 40 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 16616th of 16616 | 5 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 9577th of 24088 | 93 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 6143rd of 23106 | 168 |
Regional Popularity of "Kelso" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
91.29% 2148th/2353 |
- |
| 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 "Kelso" by Generation for Female 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) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Kelso"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Kelso" 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 "Kelso" in the United States
The name Kelso is most popular in Kentucky, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Silent Generation generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Kelso has been stalled for male in South. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in South. Across generations, 'Kelso' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 3918th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 4434th out of 6773 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 16616th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 9577th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 6143rd out of 23106 names. Discover how the name 'Kelso' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.