Keiley

Meaning & origin

Keiley emerged as a respelled variant of Kelly in the late 20th century, first recorded in U.S. Social Security data in 1978. The name is given almost exclusively to girls and saw its peak usage in 2007, with a subsequent decline through 2025. While its one-in-N rate is unavailable due to low frequency, the trajectory shows a steady fall from its 2007 high. Keiley reflects the broader trend of adapting traditional Irish surnames as feminine given names, following the success of Kelly in the mid-1900s. Its spelling with an -ey ending links it to other modern coinages like Kylie and Riley, though it has never reached the same level of popularity. Without concentration in any specific state, Keiley remains a rare but recognizable choice for parents seeking a familiar sound with a distinctive spelling.

Keiley is a modern variant spelling of Kelly. The Irish surname Kelly comes from the Gaelic Ó Ceallaigh, meaning 'descendant of Ceallach'. The original personal name Ceallach is of uncertain meaning, possibly 'bright-headed' or 'strife'. As a given name, Kelly gained popularity in the 20th century, especially for girls in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s. Keiley emerged as a respelled form, likely influenced by the fashionable ending -ley.