Find out how popular the first name Kelty has been for the last 33 years (from 1986 to 2018) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kelty by gender

Based on the last 33 years of data, Kelty is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2018, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kelty.

The history of the first name Kelty

The name Kelty is a unique and intriguing moniker that has its roots in the ancient Celtic languages. Its origins can be traced back to the Gaelic word "ceilt," which means "slender" or "graceful." This suggests that the name may have originally been used to describe someone with a lithe and elegant physique.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Kelty can be found in medieval Scottish and Irish records, where it was often spelled as "Keltie" or "Kelty." These variations likely emerged due to the fluidity of spelling conventions during that era, as well as the influence of different regional dialects.

One of the earliest known individuals to bear the name Kelty was Keltie MacGregor, a Scottish clan chieftain who lived in the 15th century. MacGregor was renowned for his bravery and leadership during the clan wars that plagued the Scottish Highlands during that time.

In the realm of literature, the name Kelty is mentioned in several ancient Celtic texts and legends. One notable example is the "Táin Bó Cúailnge," an Irish epic dating back to the 8th century, which features a character named Kelty, a skilled warrior and hunter.

Fast-forwarding to more modern times, a few notable individuals have borne the name Kelty. One such person was Kelty Lunan (1875-1942), a Scottish artist and illustrator who was renowned for his vivid depictions of rural life in Scotland.

Another notable Kelty was Kelty MacNeill (1901-1978), a Canadian politician and lawyer who served as a member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia for several terms in the mid-20th century.

Lastly, Kelty Townsend (1921-2005) was an American journalist and author who gained recognition for her coverage of the civil rights movement and her advocacy for social justice causes.

While the name Kelty may not be as common as some other monikers, its rich history and unique origins make it a fascinating and significant part of the cultural tapestry of the Celtic nations and beyond.

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

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

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