The given name Keeley is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic words "caol" meaning "slender" and "uidhe" meaning "princess" or "woman of high standing". It is believed to have first emerged in the 7th or 8th century AD among the ancient Celtic tribes inhabiting the island of Ireland.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Keeley can be found in the Annals of Ulster, a chronicle of medieval Irish history, which refers to a woman named Caol-uidhe who lived in the 9th century. This ancient text provides evidence of the name's usage during the Middle Ages in Ireland.

Throughout the centuries, the name Keeley has been borne by several notable individuals. One of the earliest recorded examples is Keeley O'Connor, an Irish noblewoman who lived in the 12th century and was known for her patronage of the arts and literature.

In the 16th century, Keeley O'Malley was a renowned Irish pirate queen who commanded a fleet of ships and terrorized the coasts of Ireland and Scotland. Her exploits have been immortalized in numerous stories and legends.

In the 19th century, Keeley Stokes (1806-1887) was an American educator and abolitionist who played a significant role in the anti-slavery movement and advocated for women's rights.

Another notable bearer of the name was Keeley Hawes (born 1976), an English actress known for her roles in various television series and films, including "Bodyguard" and "The Durrells".

Keeley Jones (born 1984) is a contemporary Australian singer-songwriter and musician who has released several critically acclaimed albums and gained recognition for her unique blend of folk and indie rock genres.

While the name Keeley has its roots in Irish culture, it has gained popularity across various regions and cultures over time, with variations in spelling and pronunciation emerging in different parts of the world.