Declining since 1992, #814 for girls today.
Popularity of Kelsey since 1942
Babies named Kelsey per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 41 |
| 1950s | 139 |
| 1960s | 226 |
| 1970s | 1,111 |
| 1980s | 27,758 |
| 1990s | 85,134 |
| 2000s | 23,380 |
| 2010s | 9,901 |
| 2020s | 2,726 |
Meaning & origin
Kelsey saw its greatest popularity in the United States during the early 1990s, peaking at rank 814 in 1992, when it was given to approximately 1 in 4798 newborns. Since then, the name has consistently fallen in usage, reflecting a broader trend away from the K-name surnames that dominated the 1980s and 1990s. Despite its decline, Kelsey retains a familiar sound and has remained in consistent use since its first recorded appearance in 1942. The name was most popular in the state of Maryland, followed by Tennessee and Connecticut, suggesting a regional appeal in the eastern United States. Kelsey is primarily used for girls, though it has seen some unisex application.
Kelsey originates as an English surname, derived from a place name. The Old English elements are 'cenel' (meaning 'fierce' or 'bold') or possibly 'cēne' (meaning 'keen') and 'ēg' (meaning 'island'). It was first recorded as a given name in the United States in the early 20th century, gaining popularity in the mid-20th century.
Where Kelsey is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Kelsey” around the world
Where Kelsey lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Ireland
6
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kels, Kelsie
Sibling names for Kelsey
Names that share Kelsey's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Courtney, Megan, Lauren, Brittany, Ashley, Carly, Chelsea, Haley, Jenna, Kendall, Kendra, Lauryn, Leanna, Leslie, Lindsay, Lindsey, Mallory, Shanna, Shelby, Aleesha, Ashlee, Ashlie, Brittani, Britteny, Brittni, Carisa, Chelsey, Chelsie, Darci, Hayley, Jayme, Kalie, Kamille, Kandace, Karey, Kayle, Kendal, Kinsey, Lacee, Linsey, Lyndsey, Misti, Shelbi, Shelbie, Tiffini, Aleisha, Allissa, Alysson, Amberlee, Aryn, Ashlea, Britani, Britnee, Brittaney, Brittnay, Brittnee, Brittny, Channel, Chasidy, Chelsee, Chelsy, Courtnee, Courtnie, Erinn, Jacy, Jaymie, Kaylene, Kellyn, Kimberlyn, Kyrstin, Lindsy, Lyndsay, Meggan, Meghann, Shaylyn, Torri, Torrie, Whitley, Whittney, Allyse, Ashliegh, Brandis, Britanie, Britnie, Calley, Cammi, Channell, Chelsia, Christyn, Cortni, Courtny, Darbi, Darbie, Jenilee, Jerzey, Jessalynn, Johnae, Kalene, Kalley, Kammie, Kateland, Kaylinn, Kaysee, Kealey, Keelyn, Kensey, Kesley, Kimberleigh, Kimbery, Kimbley, Kindall, Krystie, Laren, Lessly, Lindsi, Linsay, Linzie, Lyndsi, Lyndsy, Lynnsey, Lynsi, Lynsie, Lynzee, Malanie, Mallery, Malori, Nikkie, Shaney, Shanley, Sharday, Sugey, Tarryn, Tarynn, Tawney, Tiffney, Timberly, Wendee, Whitnee, Whitnie, Amberlie, Bryttany, Caytlin, Chasey, Chelcee, Chelise, Cortny, Jamielyn, Jasey, Jency, Jennamarie, Jonee, Keiri, Kelee, Kendahl, Kendelle, Kendle, Kilie, Kindal, Kirbi, Kortnee, Kristell, Kristol, Kristyl, Lindey, Lindsee, Lindzey, Lundy, Lyndsee, Maegen, Nickol, Shawni, Shelsey, Tamber, Tiphany, Whitni, Alishea, Bridney, Chelesa, Staphany, Brettany, Brettney, Britainy, Britanee, Britnay, Brittanni, Brittony, Brytni, Caysie, Chalsea, Chelbi, Chelcey, Chelci, Chellsea, Chelsye, Debany, Hilliary, Jannelly, Jersee, Jessice, Jyssica, Kaitelyn, Kandiss, Kaselyn, Kaysea, Kelicia, Kellis, Kelty, Kiffany, Kimblery, Kimley, Kristalynn, Linday, Linsie, Lynsee, Machel, Makinna, Meggen, Reanne, Shannia, Shanyn, Shelaine, Shelbylynn, Stevey, Whittany
Brothers: Ryan, Tyler, Brandon, Dylan, Cody, Brad, Bradley, Clayton, Cory, Dustin, Erick, Kyle, Shaun, Tanner, Travis, Trey, Britt, Bryant, Coty, Deven, Dustan, Jaron, Jerod, Kelby, Kennon, Kolby, Kurtis, Bradlee, Brendon, Chadrick, Dakoda, Dallin, Derrek, Derrik, Jarrad, Jarret, Kendel, Kenney, Kipton, Tyrel, Brannan, Brenten, Christion, Deryk, Dillian, Jaryd, Jerret, Justan, Keldon, Kendon, Keyler, Teran, Breion, Creg, Derryck, Jorey, Keaston, Kelden, Kervens, Kolbey, Kurk, Seon, Shawndale, Shelden, Branndon, Darrek, Dempsy, Johnryan, Karell, Kelvyn, Kenzel, Korrey, Shawnn
Names like Kelsey
Names whose popularity has moved with Kelsey's over the last 50 years.
