Find out how popular the first name Kellye has been for the last 28 years (from 1974 to 2001) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kellye by gender

Based on the last 28 years of data, Kellye is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2001, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kellye.

The history of the first name Kellye

The name Kellye has its origins in the Gaelic language, which is a branch of the Celtic language family spoken in parts of Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. The name likely emerged during the early medieval period, around the 5th to 10th centuries AD, when Gaelic culture and language flourished across these regions.

Kellye is derived from the Gaelic word "cailleach," which means "old woman" or "nun." It was often used as a term of respect for elderly females or women in religious orders. Over time, the name evolved into various spellings, such as Cailleach, Cailin, and eventually Kellye.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Kellye can be found in the Annals of Ulster, a chronicle of medieval Irish history. In this text, the name appears as "Cailleach" in reference to a woman who lived in the 7th century AD.

Throughout history, there have been notable individuals who bore the name Kellye or its variations. One of the earliest was Kellye of Kincardine, a Scottish noblewoman who lived in the 13th century. She was known for her involvement in local politics and her role in negotiating peace between rival clans.

In the 15th century, Kellye MacCormick was a renowned Irish poet and storyteller. Her works, which celebrated the rich oral tradition of Gaelic culture, were widely admired during her lifetime and continue to be studied by scholars today.

Another notable figure was Kellye O'Flaherty, an Irish chieftain who lived in the 16th century. She was a fierce warrior and leader who played a significant role in defending her clan's lands during the Tudor conquest of Ireland.

In the 18th century, Kellye Ní Dhochartaigh was a renowned Irish harpist and composer. She was renowned for her mastery of the traditional Irish harp and her contributions to preserving the musical heritage of her homeland.

More recently, Kellye Garrett was an American author and screenwriter who lived from 1959 to 2020. She gained recognition for her mystery novels, which often explored themes of diversity and social justice, and her work in the television industry.

These are just a few examples of individuals who have borne the name Kellye throughout history, each leaving their mark in various fields and cultures across different eras.

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

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

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