Kelly Coat of Arms & Family Crest
Where the Kelly name began, what it means, and how Herald Lab researches a Kelly coat of arms.
Origin of the Kelly name
Kelly comes from the Gaelic Ó Ceallaigh, "descendant of Ceallach", a personal name of debated meaning, often linked to "bright-headed" or "strife". The best-known Kelly sept ruled Uí Maine in east Galway and south Roscommon, but independent families arose across Ireland. It is the second most common Irish surname.
Our historical archives hold much more on the Kelly name: dates, names and records of early bearers.
This overview covers the Kelly name in Ireland. We also hold records of the name in other countries, such as the United States, Australia and England; your full pack is researched for your family's country of origin.
Get your full Kelly family history
Your full Kelly pack adds the researched history, early records and migration, with your painted coat of arms ready to print.
Kelly name FAQ
What does the Kelly name mean?
Descendant of Ceallach. Common variants include O'Kelly, Kelley, Ó Ceallaigh.
Where does the Kelly surname come from?
It originates in Ireland, and is also found in the United States, Australia and England.
Is there a Kelly coat of arms?
Arms were granted to individuals, not whole surnames, so there is no single Kelly crest. Herald Lab paints a personalized Kelly coat of arms based on historic heraldry.
Researched by Herald Lab Research Studio, since 1993. Sources: MacLysaght, The Surnames of Ireland; Dictionary of American Family Names (Oxford).