Kelli Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Kelli originated from the Irish name Ceallach, meaning 'war' or 'slender'. It evolved from the surname O'Ceallaigh to become a popular feminine given name in modern times. The name has no biblical background and is associated with a friendly and lively personality. Variants include Kelly and Kellie, and it has been notably borne by several famous individuals.
The name Kelli is most popular in Idaho, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation X (Gen X) generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Kelli has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Kelli' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 6723rd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3285th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 5315th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 24088th out of 24088 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 9204th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 437th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 144th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 176th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 871st out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 4328th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Kelli' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Kelli"
Pronunciation
/ˈkɛli/
Origin
Irish
Etymology
Kelli is derived from the Irish surname 'O'Ceallaigh', which means 'descendant of Ceallach'. The name Ceallach itself is believed to mean 'war' or 'slender'.
Meaning
war, slender
Language Evolution
Ceallach, O'Ceallaigh, Kelli
Historical Usage
Kelli gained popularity in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s as a feminine given name, influenced by the trend of using Irish names.
Variants & Derivatives
Kelly, Kellie
Modern Popularity & Image
Kelli is perceived as a modern and approachable name, often associated with a friendly and lively personality.
Famous People
Kelli McGillis, Kelli Garner, Kelli O'Hara
Explore More Kelli Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Kelli"
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 of "Kelli"
"Kelli" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 6723rd of 7552 | 10 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 3285th of 10718 | 155 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 5315th of 16616 | 131 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 24088th of 24088 | 5 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 9204th of 9204 | 5 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 437th of 12526 | 8,413 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 144th of 19264 | 34,482 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 176th of 27321 | 27,009 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 871st of 35406 | 4,570 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 4328th of 30306 | 396 |
Regional Popularity of "Kelli" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
64.02% 3325th/5194 |
- |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Kelli" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
16.26% 362nd/2227 |
24.94% 606th/2430 |
17.88% 510th/2853 |
10.67% 296th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
4.36% 128th/2937 |
5.91% 206th/3483 |
4.12% 145th/3518 |
3.64% 147th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
3.64% 134th/3685 |
5.85% 262nd/4475 |
3.08% 160th/5194 |
3.50% 221st/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
15.76% 722nd/4582 |
20.24% 1045th/5164 |
11.14% 815th/7313 |
14.02% 1046th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - |
50.51% 3446th/6822 |
84.00% 5272nd/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Kelli"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Kelli" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.