Find out how popular the first name Telly has been for the last 48 years (from 1974 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Telly by gender

Based on the last 48 years of data, Telly is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 95% of people named Telly being male.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Telly.

The history of the first name Telly

The name Telly is believed to have its origins in the ancient Greek language. It is derived from the Greek word "telos," which means "end" or "completion." This suggests that the name may have been given to those who were born at the end of a journey or a significant event.

In ancient Greek mythology, there is a reference to a character named Telly, who was said to be a nymph associated with the goddess Artemis. However, little is known about this figure, and the connection to the name's meaning is unclear.

The earliest recorded use of the name Telly dates back to the 14th century, when it appeared in historical records from the Byzantine Empire. During this time, the name was predominantly used in the Greek-speaking regions of the empire.

One of the most notable historical figures with the name Telly was Telly Savalas, an American actor and singer of Greek descent, who was born in 1922 and died in 1994. He was best known for his portrayal of the bald, lollipop-sucking detective Kojak in the television series of the same name.

Another famous individual with the name Telly was Telly Leung, an American actor and singer born in 1980. He is known for his roles in various Broadway productions, including "Aladdin" and "Allegiance."

In the field of sports, Telly Savalas Patara was a Thai professional boxer who competed in the 1980s and 1990s. He was a multiple-time Muay Thai champion and gained recognition for his skillful fighting style.

Telly Addison was an American clergyman and educator who lived in the 19th century. He was a prominent figure in the Methodist Episcopal Church and served as the president of several educational institutions, including the East Tennessee Wesleyan University.

Another historical figure with the name Telly was Telly Savalas Vourkoutiotis, a Greek-American businessman and philanthropist who lived in the 20th century. He was known for his philanthropic efforts and contributions to various charitable organizations, particularly those focused on education and healthcare.

While the name Telly may not be as common as some other names, its rich history and connections to ancient Greek culture and mythology make it a unique and interesting choice for parents seeking a name with a strong cultural heritage.

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

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

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