Kelly
Name meaning, origin, pronunciation, and popularity rankings
How to pronounce the name Kelly
Pronunciation guide for Kelly
ARPA
K EH1 L IY0
IPA
ˈkɛli
Pronunciation Breakdown
Detailed phonetic analysis of how to say Kelly
Syllables (2)
K EH1 L IY0
Bold syllables indicate primary stress
Sound Breakdown
K
key (k)EH1
Ed (ɛ)L
lee (l)IY0
eat (i)International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)
ˈkɛli
Standard international representation
Pronunciation Tips
• Kelly has 2 syllables. Take your time with each part.
• Emphasize the syllable marked in bold for correct pronunciation.
Name Statistics
Key metrics and characteristics of Kelly
Structure
Character Count
5
Syllable Count
2
Vowel Ratio
20%
Name Family
kelly
Usability
Pronunciation Difficulty2/10
Easy to pronounce
International Friendliness10/10
Works well across languages
DNA profile of the name Kelly
Unique character and personality of the name Kelly
Name Personality
The Classic
Classic
Timeless
Strong
Key Characteristics
Length
Medium
Balanced and versatile
Rhythm
Flowing
Balanced rhythm
Sound
Strong
Consonant-rich and crisp
Ease
Simple
Easy for most speakers
Global
Universal
Works across cultures
Heritage
kelly
Part of this name family
Letter Frequency
l×2
k×1
e×1
Most frequent letters in Kelly
Visual Pattern
Tall bars = vowels, Short bars = consonants
Name Statistics
📊
Syllables
2 syllables
🗣️
Ease of Pronunciation
Very Easy
2/10 difficulty
🌍
International Friendliness
Excellent
10/10 global ease
Pronunciation Difficulty Comparison
How does Kelly compare to the average name?
Kelly2/10 😊
2.0
Average Name5.0/10
5.0
Kelly is easier than average by 3.0 points.
Difficulty Scale:
Very Easy (0–2)← Kelly
Easy (2–4)
Moderate (4–6)
Challenging (6–8)
Difficult (9–11)
👨👩👧👦Name Family
Names related to Kelly (root: kelly)
Current Name
Kelly
Related Names (15)
Short variations:
Kell
Kella
Kelle
Medium variations:
Kellam
Kellan
Kelland
Kellar
Kellas
Kellat
Kellby
Kellda
Kellea
Kellee
Kelleen
Kelleher
Kelly belongs to a family of 30 related names.Showing 15 most common variations.
What does the name Kelly mean?
The meaning and origin of Kelly
Historical Reference
noun 1. United States circus clown (1898-1979)
Historical Reference
noun 2. United States film actress who retired when she married into the royal family of Monaco (1928-1982)
Historical Reference
noun 3. United States dancer who performed in many musical films (1912-1996)
Meaning Theme
The emotional tone and themes in Kelly's meanings
Primary Theme
✨
Aspirational
Conveys strength, nobility, or divine favor
Theme Distribution
Aspirational
1
Key Themes
royal
{grace\n
{grace
{princess
grace
Name Numerology
Numerological analysis and letter patterns for Kelly
Life Path Number
2
The Peacemaker
Harmonious individuals who excel at bringing people together and finding balance.
Diplomatic
Cooperative
Sensitive
Balanced
Most Common Letters
l×2
k×1
e×1
y×1
Sound Composition
Vowels
1(20%)
Consonants
4(80%)
Consonant-heavy names tend to sound more crisp and strong
Numerology Breakdown
k2
e5
l3
l3
y7
Each letter is assigned a number (1-9). These are added together and reduced to find your Life Path Number.
Notable People Named Kelly
Famous individuals named Kelly
👤
Kelly Mark
Canadian artist
Born: 1967
👤
Kelly MacDonald
Canadian diver
Born: 1988
👤
Kelly D. Brownell
American psychologist
Born: 1951
👤
Kelly Bruno
American distance runner
Born: 1984
👤
Kelly Cartwright
Australian female athletics Paralympian
Born: 1989
👤
Kelly Lewis
American politician and business leader
Born: 1964
👤
Kelly Burnett
Canadian ice hockey player
Born: 1926
👤
Kelly Llorenna
English female Euro-trance singer
Born: 1975
👤
Kelly Cassidy
American politician
Born: 1968
Where is Kelly popular?
Countries where Kelly ranks in the top baby names
How popular is the name Kelly?
Popularity rankings and trends for Kelly around the world
Kelly Popularity in United States
Historical ranking trend for boys named Kelly
Lower rank numbers indicate higher popularity (e.g., #1 is most popular)
Kelly Popularity in United States
Historical ranking trend for girls named Kelly
Lower rank numbers indicate higher popularity (e.g., #1 is most popular)
Country Comparison
How Kelly ranks across different countries
Showing top 9 countries by ranking (lower rank = more popular)
What words rhyme with the name Kelly?
Rhyming words for Kelly
agostinelli
allele
altobelli
angeli
antonelli
baldelli
beli
belli
belly
berardinelli
bertelli
bonelli
borelli
borrelli
bottecelli
brunelli
bucciarelli
buzzelli
cafarelli
campanelli
Frequently Asked Questions
How popular is Kelly in Australia?
Kelly is moderately popular in Australia as of 1995, ranking at #99. It ranks in the top 100 girls' names.
How popular is Kelly in Belgium?
Kelly is moderately popular in Belgium as of 2002, ranking at #100. It ranks in the top 100 girls' names.
How popular is Kelly in Canada?
Kelly is moderately popular in Canada as of 2005, ranking at #98. It ranks in the top 100 girls' names.
How popular is Kelly in France?
Kelly is used but uncommon in France as of 2018, ranking at #378. While it is used as a girls' name, it's relatively uncommon.
How popular is Kelly in Ireland?
Kelly is somewhat popular in Ireland as of 2006, ranking at #102. It ranks in the top 200 girls' names.
How popular is Kelly in New Zealand?
Kelly is moderately popular in New Zealand as of 1998, ranking at #90. It ranks in the top 100 girls' names.
How popular is Kelly in Portugal?
Kelly is moderately popular in Portugal as of 2018, ranking at #68. It ranks in the top 100 girls' names.
How popular is Kelly in United Kingdom?
Kelly is used but uncommon in United Kingdom as of 2009, ranking at #439. While it is used as a girls' name, it's relatively uncommon.
How popular is Kelly in United States?
Kelly is used but uncommon in United States as of 2018, ranking at #618. While it is used as a girls' name, it's relatively uncommon.
How do you pronounce Kelly?
IPA: /ˈkɛli/ ARPA: K EH1 L IY0 This name is very easy to pronounce.
How many syllables are in Kelly?
Kelly has 2 syllables.
Is Kelly easy to pronounce?
Yes, Kelly is very easy to pronounce. It has simple, common sounds that most people can say without difficulty.
Is Kelly easy to pronounce internationally?
Yes, Kelly is extremely international-friendly (10/10). It uses sounds that are common across many languages and cultures, making it easy for people worldwide to pronounce.
Who are some famous people named Kelly?
There are 100 notable people named Kelly. This name has significant cultural presence and recognition.
What names are similar to Kelly?
Names similar to Kelly include: Kell, Kella, Kellam, Kellan, Kelland. These names share similar sounds or roots.
Is Kelly a good baby name?
Kelly makes an excellent baby name! It's easy to pronounce and internationally friendly, making it a great choice for parents looking for these qualities in a name.
Is Kelly a boy or girl name?
Kelly can be used for any gender, though usage varies by culture and region. Check the rankings section to see gender distribution patterns.
How do you spell Kelly?
The name is spelled K-e-l-l-y. Common spelling variations include: Kell, Kella, Kellam.
What are common nicknames for Kelly?
Common nicknames for Kelly include: Kel, Kelly, Kelie. Nicknames often develop naturally based on personal preference and family traditions.
What does the name Kelly mean?
The name Kelly means "Kelly n 1: United States circus clown (1898-1979) [syn: {Kelly}, {Emmett Kelly}, {Weary Willie}] 2: United States film actress who retired when she married into the royal family of Monaco (1928-1982) [syn: {Kelly}, {Grace Kelly}, {Grace Patricia Kelly}, {Princess Grace of Monaco}] 3: United States dancer who performed in many musical films (1912-1996) [syn: {Kelly}, {Gene Kelly}, {Eugene Curran Kelly}]." This name carries significant cultural and historical weight, reflecting the traditions and values of the cultures from which it originates. The meaning of a name often influences how it is perceived and can hold special significance for families choosing this name for their child.
What middle names go well with Kelly?
Middle names that pair well with Kelly include: Elizabeth, Alexander, Benjamin. Consider the flow and rhythm when saying the full name aloud. Names with different syllable counts often create a pleasant cadence.
What sibling names pair well with Kelly?
Sibling names that pair well with Kelly include: Kell, Kella, Kellam, Kellan. These names share similar origins, sounds, or cultural backgrounds, creating a cohesive family naming theme.
Will teachers be able to pronounce Kelly?
Yes, Kelly is very straightforward to pronounce. Teachers and other adults will have no difficulty with this name. It uses common sound patterns that are familiar to most English speakers.
What culture is the name Kelly from?
Kelly has a multicultural heritage, with potential roots in multiple linguistic and cultural traditions. Many names have complex etymological paths, being borrowed, adapted, and adopted across different cultures throughout history. This cultural journey often enriches the name with multiple layers of meaning and significance, reflecting the interconnected nature of human societies and their naming traditions.
Is Kelly suitable for a professional career?
Kelly is well-suited for professional contexts. It's easy to pronounce in professional settings and internationally friendly for global careers. Names that are easy to say, spell, and remember often have advantages in career settings, though ultimately competence matters far more than name choice.
Is Kelly a long or short name?
Kelly is a short name with 5 letters (2 syllables). Short names are practical and easy to use in everyday contexts. They rarely need nicknames.
What are common misspellings of Kelly?
Common spelling variations of Kelly include: Kell, Kella, Kellam. Always verify the correct spelling with the parent.
What's the difference between Kelly and Kell?
Kelly and Kell are related names that share similar origins or sounds. Kelly is spelled Kelly while Kell is spelled Kell. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference, cultural background, or family tradition.