Girl · 1001st of 19,264
Keli
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
4,398
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1979
Peak Popularity Year
190
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Keli stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Keli originates from the Hawaiian language, meaning 'beloved.' The name has evolved through various forms, including Kelly and Kelley, and reflects traits of warmth and endearment. It has no biblical relevance and has gained popularity as a modern name in recent decades.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈkɛli/
Origin
Hawaiian
Etymology
Keli is derived from the Hawaiian language, where it is often associated with the meaning 'the one who is loved.'
Meaning
beloved
Language Evolution
Keli (Hawaiian), Kelly (Irish origin variant), Kelley (Irish origin variant)
Historical Usage
Keli has gained popularity in the United States since the late 20th century, particularly as a feminine given name.
Variants & Derivatives
Kelly, Kelley, Kellie
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Keli is perceived as a modern and unique name, often associated with warmth and affection.
Famous People
Keli Price - American singer, Keli Goff - American writer and producer
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 190 peak births in 1979
Geographic Spread
Popular across 28 US states, with strongest presence in Oklahoma
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 8 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 16 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 8 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 7892nd of 10718 | 18 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 11609th of 16616 | 21 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 20994th of 24088 | 10 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 2446th of 12526 | 403 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1001st of 19264 | 2,002 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1511th of 27321 | 1,532 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 5559th of 35406 | 359 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 15202nd of 30306 | 53 |