Keleigh

Meaning & origin

Keleigh is a modern respelling of Kelly that emerged in the 1960s, first recorded in 1960. It peaked in 1991, a decade when the original Kelly was at its height of popularity. Since 2022, its trajectory has been rising slightly, though it remains extremely rare, with fewer than five annual births. The name is almost exclusively given to girls, reflecting creative spellings that add a feminine touch. Keleigh belongs to the trend of '-leigh' names that gained traction in the late 20th century, alongside variations like Keeleigh and Keely. Its top states include none consistently, as its usage is scattered across the country. This name offers a unique twist on a classic Irish surname, blending heritage with modern style.

Keleigh is a modern respelling of the Irish surname and given name Kelly. The original Kelly derives from the Irish Gaelic surname Ó Ceallaigh, meaning 'descendant of Ceallach,' an old Irish personal name of debated meaning, possibly 'bright-headed' or 'frequenting churches.' Keleigh emerged in the late 20th century as part of a trend of creative spellings using '-leigh' to feminize and update traditional names. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1960 and saw modest use in the 1990s.