Gaelic variations: Ceallaigh, Ceallach, Ó Ceallaigh, Ó Caollaidhe, Ó Caollaighe, Ó Cadhla, Mac Caochlaoich: “war or contention”.

Anglicised variations: Kelly, Kelley, O’Kelly, Kealy, Keely, Keily, Kehelly, Kehilly, Coakley.

Kelly is the second most common surname in Ireland and originates from at least seven different and unrelated ancient clans or septs. These include O’Kelly septs [...]