NamesPop

Kelly

Kelly is an Irish surname used as a given name, anglicized from the Gaelic O Ceallaigh, meaning 'descendant of Ceallach,' where Ceallach may derive from a word meaning 'bright-headed,' 'war' or 'contest.

#639 Pet NameMore for girlsAlso a Baby Name
friendlysociableconfidentwarmapproachable

Meaning & Story

Kelly is an Irish surname used as a given name, anglicized from the Gaelic O Ceallaigh, meaning 'descendant of Ceallach,' where Ceallach may derive from a word meaning 'bright-headed,' 'war' or 'contest.' It was one of the most popular Irish surnames in America through the 20th century.

Kelly is a name that brings to mind the easy, confident charm of a classic Irish personality — approachable, warm, and quietly sharp. Its long run as an Irish-American surname and given name gives it deep roots in American culture, where it feels completely familiar without feeling overused as a pet name. It suits female pets with a sociable, outgoing nature who make friends with everyone they meet. Kelly is the pet who never meets a stranger and always makes the party better.

At a Glance

#639
Overall Rank
193
Registered
Girls
Popular With

Popular Breeds Named Kelly

Breeds that commonly use the name Kelly
BreedPets Named
Shih Tzu18
Chihuahua16
Labrador Retriever14
American Shorthair1
Kelly is Also a Baby NameRanked #868 for girls — View meaning, origin & popularity trends

Similar Pet Names

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kelly a good pet name?

Kelly is a well-known pet name with 193 registered pets. Pets named Kelly are often described as friendly, sociable, confident.

Is Kelly a boy or girl pet name?

Kelly is more commonly given to female pets, though it can be used for any pet.

Is Kelly also a human name?

Yes! Kelly is both a popular pet name (ranked #639 for pets) and a baby name. It is one of 1,600+ names shared between pets and humans on NamesPop.