Surname · Irish origin
Kelly
Meaning
The surname Kelly means Bright-headed.
Origin
Irish
Type
patronymic
Variants
1
The origin of the surname Kelly
Kelly comes from Ó Ceallaigh, usually read “bright-headed” or “contentious.”
What kind of surname is Kelly?
Kelly is a patronymic surname, derived from a father's or ancestor's given name. It belongs to the Irish naming tradition — you can read how Irish surnames were formed on our Irish last names page.
Variants & spellings of Kelly
You may also see this surname written as:
- O'Kelly
Other Irish surnames
Other patronymic surnames
Family names formed the same way, from different cultures.
Frequently asked questions
What does the surname Kelly mean?
The surname Kelly means Bright-headed. Kelly comes from Ó Ceallaigh, usually read “bright-headed” or “contentious.”
Where does the surname Kelly come from?
Kelly is a surname of Irish origin.
What kind of surname is Kelly?
Kelly is a patronymic surname, derived from a father's or ancestor's given name.
What are other spellings of Kelly?
Variant spellings of Kelly include O'Kelly.
What are other Irish surnames?
Other Irish surnames include Boyle, Brennan, Byrne, Callaghan, Connolly, Daly.