Kelse first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Kelse has been for the last 16 years (from 1985 to 2000) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Kelse

A feminine name derived from "Kelly", meaning "bright-headed" or "warrior lass".

Popularity of Kelse by gender

Based on the last 16 years of data, Kelse is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2000, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kelse.

Year Male Count Female Count
2000 0 6
1999 0 6
1997 0 8
1996 0 6
1995 0 6
1994 0 13
1993 0 15
1992 0 6
1991 0 7
1990 0 12
1985 0 6

The history of the first name Kelse

The name Kelse finds its origins in the ancient Germanic languages, with roots tracing back to the 5th century AD. It is derived from the Old High German word "keliz," which translates to "chalice" or "cup." This connection suggests a potential link to religious or ceremonial contexts in the early medieval period.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kelse can be found in the Codex Fuldensis, a 9th-century manuscript from the Benedictine monastery of Fulda in present-day Germany. This document contains a list of landowners and tenants, with a certain "Kelso" mentioned as a landholder in the region.

During the Middle Ages, the name Kelse gained popularity among various Germanic tribes, particularly in regions that are now part of modern-day Germany and the Netherlands. Its use was not limited to a specific social class, as both noble and commoner families embraced the name.

One notable figure bearing the name Kelse was Kelso of Bamberg, a 12th-century monk and chronicler from the Benedictine abbey in Bamberg, Germany. His work, known as the "Chronicon Bambergense," provides valuable insights into the history and events of his time.

Another individual of historical significance was Kelse von Kalkar, a 15th-century Dutch painter and printmaker. Born around 1450 in Kalkar, he is renowned for his contributions to the Northern Renaissance art movement and his intricate woodcut prints.

In the realm of literature, the name Kelse appears in the epic poem "Nibelungenlied," a renowned work of Germanic heroic poetry dating back to the 13th century. One of the minor characters, a knight named Kelse, is mentioned in the text, though his role is relatively small.

Moving forward in time, a notable figure bearing the name Kelse was Kelso von Rosenberg, a 17th-century German nobleman and military commander. He played a significant role in the Thirty Years' War, serving as a general in the Imperial Army and earning a reputation for his strategic prowess.

It is worth noting that while the name Kelse has its roots in the Germanic languages, it has also been adopted and adapted in various other cultures and regions throughout history, with slight variations in spelling and pronunciation.

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

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

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"Kelse first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on July 21, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/kelse-meaning-and-history/.

"Kelse first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/kelse-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 21 July, 2025

Kelse first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/kelse-meaning-and-history/.

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