O'KELLY

O'Kelly

The surname O'Kelly, sometimes spelled as O'Kelley, is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name Ó Ceallaigh, meaning "descendant of Ceallach." The name Ceallach itself is composed of the elements "ceall," meaning "strife" or "contention," and "ach," denoting an affectionate diminutive.

The O'Kellys were a prominent Gaelic Irish clan, with several branches spread throughout Ireland. They were historically associated with the region of Ui Maine in County Galway, where they held significant power and controlled vast territories. The clan produced many chieftains and leaders who played important roles in Irish history.

During the period of English conquest and colonization in Ireland, many O'Kellys resisted foreign rule and participated in various uprisings and rebellions against English authority. As a result, some O'Kellys were forced to leave Ireland and settle in other countries, including England and Scotland.

In subsequent centuries, O'Kellys migrated to other parts of the world, including the United States, Australia, and Canada, where they established new communities and continued to preserve their Irish identity and heritage.

Today, the surname O'Kelly remains relatively common in Ireland and among the Irish diaspora. It is often found in historical records, genealogical research, and contemporary society, serving as a testament to the enduring legacy of this ancient Irish clan.

Surname type: From name of parent

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

• Christopher
• Daniel
• David
• James
• John
• Kieron
• Mchael
• Michael
• Patrick
• Paul
• Sean
• Thomas

Female

• Ann
• Elizabeth
• Emma
• Helen
• Jacqueline
• Jessica
• Lorraine
• Margaret
• Susan
• Tara

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.