The name Kelly comes from the Irish surname Ó Ceallaigh meaning "descendant of Ceallach". The name Ceallach is a traditional Irish name meaning "bright-headed".
According to other theories, it could also be derived from "ceallach" - "war, strife" or "ceall" - "church".
Famous bearers
Bearers include Kelly Preston (born 1962), an American actress;
Kelly Hu (born 1968), an American actress and model;
Kelly Monaco (born 1976), an American female model and actress;
Kelly Brook (born 1979), an English female model and actress;
Kelly Clarkson (born 1982), an American female singer and songwriter.
