Find out how popular the first name Kelce has been for the last 33 years (from 1991 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kelce by gender

Based on the last 33 years of data, Kelce is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 71% of people named Kelce being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 36 female babies and 24 male babies born with the name Kelce.

The history of the first name Kelce

The given name Kelce traces its origins to the ancient Celtic language, with its roots dating back to the 5th century BCE. The name is believed to have derived from the Celtic word "celc," meaning "bright" or "radiant." This linguistic connection suggests that the name was initially associated with qualities of light, purity, and positivity.

During the Roman conquest of Celtic territories, the name Kelce gained prominence as it was adopted by some Celtic tribes as a symbol of resistance against the invading forces. Several historical accounts from this period mention Celtic warriors bearing the name Kelce, though specific details are scarce due to the limited records available.

In the early Middle Ages, the name Kelce appeared in various monastic records and religious texts, indicating its use among the Celtic Christian communities. One notable example is the 9th-century hagiography of Saint Kelce, a Celtic monk renowned for his piety and devotion to the faith.

The earliest recorded instance of the name Kelce can be traced back to a 7th-century inscription found in the ruins of an ancient Celtic settlement in what is now modern-day Wales. This inscription, carved on a stone tablet, mentions a warrior named Kelce who is believed to have played a significant role in defending the settlement from invaders.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Kelce. One of the most prominent figures was Kelce the Bard, a renowned Celtic poet who lived in the 11th century. His poetic works, which celebrated the valor and traditions of the Celtic people, have been preserved and studied by scholars for centuries.

Another notable figure was Kelce of Kildare, a 12th-century Irish monk and scholar who made significant contributions to the preservation of Celtic literature and the development of the Irish language. His extensive writings on Celtic mythology and culture are considered invaluable resources for understanding the rich heritage of the Celtic people.

In the realm of warfare, Kelce the Fearless, a 14th-century Scottish warrior, gained fame for his bravery and leadership during the Wars of Scottish Independence. His exploits were celebrated in various ballads and legends, solidifying his place in Scottish history.

During the Renaissance period, Kelce the Illuminator, a 15th-century Welsh calligrapher and manuscript artist, was renowned for his exquisite illuminations and intricate designs adorning religious texts and historical documents.

Finally, in the 18th century, Kelce the Naturalist, an Irish botanist and explorer, made significant contributions to the study of plant life through his extensive travels and meticulous documentation of various flora found in remote regions of the world.

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 Kelce was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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