Origin & History

Anglicisation of the Irish Gaelic 'O Ceallaigh', meaning 'descendant of Ceallach', where 'Ceallach' is interpreted as meaning 'bright-headed', 'frequenting churches', or 'contentious' — scholars dispute the precise root. Several distinct Kelly septs arose independently across Connacht, Leinster, and Ulster, the most prominent being the O'Kellys of Ui Maine in County Galway, who were kings of Connacht. Kelly is the second most common surname in Ireland and among the most recognisable Irish names globally.