The Kelly surname
Ó Ceallaigh in Irish. ‘Descendant of Ceallach’. The meaning of Ceallach is debated – it is often said to mean ‘bright-headed’ or ‘strife’.
Kelly is one of the most common surnames in Ireland. Like Murphy, it arose separately in several places.
The best-known Kelly family is the O’Kellys of Uí Maine (Hy Many), a territory in east Galway and south Roscommon, whose chiefs were local kings in the Middle Ages.
Your surname is linked to the kings of Uí Maine
One major Kelly line – the O’Kellys of Uí Maine in Galway and Roscommon – were ruling chiefs for centuries.
The honest caveat: There were several unrelated Kelly families, so having the name doesn’t mean you descend from the Uí Maine chiefs. Your own records, especially where your ancestors lived, are what tell you which Kelly line is yours.
Other spellings to search
O’Kelly, Kelley (common in the US)
Where the name is strongest
County Galway, County Roscommon
Tips for finding Kelly ancestors
- US records often spell it ‘Kelley’ – search both spellings.
- If your family were from Galway or Roscommon, look at Griffith’s Valuation to see where Kellys lived in your parish.
Start with the free official sources, or our guide to finding a grandparent’s birth record.
Not yet confirmed:
- The meaning of ‘Ceallach’ is disputed among scholars.
Sources
- Edward MacLysaght, The Surnames of Ireland
- John O’Donovan (ed.), The Tribes and Customs of Hy-Many (1843)
Surname stories are for interest. Sharing a surname is not proof of descent from anyone, and it says nothing about citizenship.