Declining since 2010, #8,860 for girls today.
Popularity of Keilly since 1993
Babies named Keilly per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 24 |
| 2000s | 258 |
| 2010s | 247 |
| 2020s | 81 |
Meaning & origin
Keilly is a modern phonetic variant of the classic Irish name Kelly. First recorded in the U.S. in 1993, it has never been common. Its peak popularity came in 2011, but it has been declining since 2010, reflecting a broader trend away from Kelly-style names. Despite its rarity, Keilly carries the same Irish heritage as Kelly, meaning 'bright-headed' or 'warrior'. Its simple, feminine sound appeals to parents seeking a familiar yet distinctive name.
Keilly is a modern spelling variant of Kelly, which originated from the Irish surname Ó Ceallaigh, meaning 'descendant of Ceallach'. The personal name Ceallach likely means 'bright-headed' or 'warrior'. Kelly has been used as a given name since the 20th century, especially in English-speaking countries, and Keilly emerged as a less common phonetic variant.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kei, Lee, Kiki
Sibling names for Keilly
Names that share Keilly's style, for a brother or sister.
