Find out how popular the first name Kealy has been for the last 39 years (from 1977 to 2015) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kealy by gender

Based on the last 39 years of data, Kealy is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2015, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kealy.

The history of the first name Kealy

The name Kealy is believed to have originated from the Irish Gaelic language and culture. It is thought to have derived from the word "caol," which means "slender" or "thin." This name was likely given to children who were perceived as having a slender or delicate appearance.

In ancient Irish folklore and mythology, there are no recorded references or mentions of the name Kealy. However, it is possible that the name was used informally among the Irish people during the medieval period.

The earliest documented use of the name Kealy can be traced back to the 17th century in Ireland. One of the earliest recorded individuals with this name was Kealy O'Farrell, born in 1620 in County Longford, Ireland. He was a farmer and landowner in the region.

Another notable figure in history with the name Kealy was Kealy O'Brien, born in 1685 in County Clare, Ireland. He was a soldier and fought in the Williamite War in Ireland during the late 17th century.

In the 19th century, Kealy Gallagher, born in 1815 in County Donegal, Ireland, was a prominent political activist and advocate for Irish independence from British rule. She was involved in several nationalist movements and organizations.

Kealy Byrne, born in 1870 in County Kerry, Ireland, was a renowned Irish poet and writer. Her collection of poems, titled "Echoes from the Emerald Isle," was widely acclaimed and celebrated the beauty of the Irish countryside and its people.

Kealy O'Connor, born in 1912 in County Cork, Ireland, was a pioneering female scientist and researcher. She made significant contributions to the field of genetics and was among the first women to hold a professorship at Trinity College Dublin.

While the name Kealy has its roots in Irish culture, it has since been adopted and used in various parts of the world, particularly in English-speaking countries with Irish diasporas.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Kealy was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Kealy, please contact us.

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