Kelly

The word “Kelly” means a common given name and surname of Irish origin, used for both men and women. In plain terms, a common Irish name, a shade of green, or an oil-rig drilling pipe.

“Kelly” is pronounced KEH-lee (/ˈkɛli/ in IPA).

Here is “Kelly” used in a sentence: “Kelly grew up in a large Irish-American family.”

“Kelly” is a noun.

The word “Kelly” comes from Irish. The name comes from the Irish surname "Ó Ceallaigh." The color and drilling-pipe senses developed later as specialized uses of the name.

“Kelly” is a fairly common word in modern English.

“Kelly” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a common given name and surname of Irish origin, used for both men and women.

Kelly comes from the Irish surname Ó Ceallaigh, meaning 'descendant of Ceallach.' The old personal name Ceallach is usually interpreted as 'bright-headed' or, in another reading, linked to strife or war. It is one of the most common surnames in Ireland and has long been used as a first name too.

Kelly green is a bright, pure green, sitting between emerald and lime. It takes its name from the surname Kelly because of the name's strong association with Ireland, which is famously known as the Emerald Isle. The colour is often used to signal Irishness, especially around St Patrick's Day.