KEALY
Kealy
Kealy is a surname of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "Ó Cathail". The name is believed to originate from County Galway, where the O'Kealy clan were historically prominent.
Origin and Meaning
The surname Kealy is believed to have derived from the ancient Gaelic personal name "Cathal", meaning "battle rule". Over time, the O'Kealy clan spread to other parts of Ireland, particularly to Leinster. The name evolved into its current form, Kealy, as generations passed.
Distribution and Variants
Kealy is a relatively uncommon surname, primarily found in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora. Variants of the surname include Keely, Cahill, and O'Kealy.
Notable Individuals
Notable individuals bearing the surname Kealy include:
- John Kealy (1800-1853): A renowned Irish poet known for his lyrical ballads and romantic themes.
- Aoife Kealy (b. 1985): A prominent Irish artist specialising in contemporary installations and multimedia projects.
Legacy
The surname Kealy carries with it a rich history of Irish heritage and culture. The name serves as a reminder of the O'Kealy clan's contributions to Irish society and their enduring presence in the country's history.
In contemporary times, individuals bearing the surname Kealy have made significant contributions to various fields, showcasing the talent and resilience of the Irish people.
There are approximately 458 people named Kealy in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around seven in a million people in Britain are named Kealy.
Origin: Celtic
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: Ireland
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: Gaelic
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- David
- George
- James
- John
- Kevin
- Michael
- Patrick
- Paul
- Peter
- Philip
- Richard
- Simon
- Thomas
Female
- Annabel
- Barbara
- Caroline
- Emma
- Hannah
- Jean
- Julie
- Lisa
- Mandy
- Margaret
- Mary
- Rebecca
- Sally
- Sarah
- Vanessa
Similar and related surnames
- Caley
- Kahl
- Caly
- Caily
- Cailly
- Cally
- Kelay
- Keal
- Keala
- Kaali
- Kaeley
- Kahli
- Kailey
- Kaili
- Kaily
- Kaley
- Kali
- Kalley
- Kally
- Kaly
- Kalya
- Kayley
- Kealey
- Keall
- Kealley
- Keally
- Keals
- Keeley
- Keelley
- Keelly
- Keely
- Keighly
- Keiley
- Keilley
- Keilly
- Keily
- Keley
- Keli
- Kelie
- Kellay
- Kelley
- Kellly
- Kelly
- Kellys
- Kely
- Keyley
- Khali
- Kieley
- Kielly
- Kiely
- Kaal
- Kael
- Kail
- Kal
- Kalay
- Kalie
- Kalli
- Kalym
- Kalyn
- Kaul
- Keale
- Keel
- Keelay
- Kehl
- Keighley
- Keil
- Kele
- Kell
- Kellie
- Khal
- Khalli
- Kheili
- Kiley
- Kily
- Cloy
- Coley
- Colley
- Gailey
- Killey
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.