Kelly is a

surname In some cultures, a surname, family name, or last name is the portion of one's personal name that indicates one's family, tribe or community. Practices vary by culture. The family name may be placed at either the start of a person's full name ...

in the English language. The name has numerous origins, most notably from the Ui Maine. In some cases it is derived from

toponyms Toponymy, toponymics, or toponomastics is the study of '' toponyms'' (proper names of places, also known as place names and geographic names), including their origins, meanings, usage and types. Toponym is the general term for a proper name of ...

located in Ireland and Great Britain, in other cases it is derived from

patronym A patronymic, or patronym, is a component of a personal name based on the given name of one's father, grandfather (avonymic), or an earlier male ancestor. Patronymics are still in use, including mandatory use, in many countries worldwide, alt ...

s in the

Irish language Irish ( Standard Irish: ), also known as Gaelic, is a Goidelic language of the Insular Celtic branch of the Celtic language family, which is a part of the Indo-European language family. Irish is indigenous to the island of Ireland and was ...

Etymology

In many cases ''Kelly'' is an

Anglicisation Anglicisation is the process by which a place or person becomes influenced by English culture or British culture, or a process of cultural and/or linguistic change in which something non-English becomes English. It can also refer to the influen ...

of the Irish surname '' Ó Ceallaigh'' (IPA ːˈcal̪ˠiː, which means "descendant of Ceallach", but it can also mean warrior or fighter. The personal name ''Ceallach'' has been thought to mean "bright-headed", but the current understanding is that the name means "frequenting churches", derived from the Irish ''ceall''., which cited: , for the surnames "Kelly". In other cases the surname Kelly is an Anglicisation of the Irish ''

Ó Cadhla ''Ó Cadhla'' is a masculine surname in the Irish language. The name translates into English as "descendant of ''Cadhla''". The surname originated as a patronym, however it no longer refers to the actual name of the bearer's father. The form of ...

'', which means "descendant of ''Cadhla''". which is a transcription of: The O'Kelly or Kelly of the Clan Brasil Mac Coolechan originated as a chieftain clan of the

Ulaid Ulaid (Old Irish, ) or Ulaidh (Modern Irish, ) was a Gaelic over-kingdom in north-eastern Ireland during the Middle Ages made up of a confederation of dynastic groups. Alternative names include Ulidia, which is the Latin form of Ulaid, and in ...

. The surname can also be derived from several place names. For example, the surname can be derived from two places in Scotland: Kelly, near

Arbroath Arbroath () or Aberbrothock ( gd, Obar Bhrothaig ) is a former royal burgh and the largest town in the council area of Angus, Scotland, with a population of 23,902. It lies on the North Sea coast some ENE of Dundee and SSW of Aberdeen. The ...

; and Kellie, in

Fife Fife (, ; gd, Fìobha, ; sco, Fife) is a council area, historic county, registration county and lieutenancy area of Scotland. It is situated between the Firth of Tay and the Firth of Forth, with inland boundaries with Perth and Kinross (i ...

. The surname can also be derived from a place name in England: Kelly, in

Devon Devon ( , historically known as Devonshire , ) is a ceremonial and non-metropolitan county in South West England. The most populous settlement in Devon is the city of Plymouth, followed by Devon's county town, the city of Exeter. Devon is ...

. This place name is derived from the Cornish ''celli'', meaning "wood" or "grove"..

Prevalence

The surname is one of the most common in Ireland. It is also very common in

Galloway Galloway ( ; sco, Gallowa; la, Gallovidia) is a region in southwestern Scotland comprising the historic counties of Wigtownshire and Kirkcudbrightshire. It is administered as part of the council area of Dumfries and Galloway. A native or i ...

, and the

Isle of Man ) , anthem = "O Land of Our Birth" , image = Isle of Man by Sentinel-2.jpg , image_map = Europe-Isle_of_Man.svg , mapsize = , map_alt = Location of the Isle of Man in Europe , map_caption = Location of the Isle of Man (green) in Europe ...

. When including all of its variations, the name O'Kelly, Kelly, Kelley, Kellie and the Gaelic form O'Ceallaigh, makes it the most prevalent surname in Ireland. There are approximately half a million people worldwide who bear this name. The name O'Kelly did not spring from a single source, but arose independently in several areas in Ireland, also in Scotland and the Isle of Man and in England. In other areas, notably in Isle of Man, Cornwall and probably in Antrim, the name Kelly arose from Celli, meaning man of the woods.

People with the surname

A–I

Alan Kelly (politician) Alan Kelly (born 13 July 1975) is an Irish politician and author who has been a Teachta Dála (TD) for the Tipperary constituency since the 2016 general election and a TD for the Tipperary North constituency from 2011 to 2016. He previously s ...

(born 1975), leader of the Irish Labour Party *

Alexandra Filia Kelly Alexandra Filia Kelly is the founder and former managing director of UK pre-employment screening company, Powerchex, and formerly the MD of HireRight's background screening operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Alexandra was bo ...

, English businesswoman *

Amanda Kelly Amanda Kelly is a Scottish female kickboxer and mixed martial artist, based in London. She has competed professionally since 2005 and is currently in the Cage Warriors Bantamweight division. Trained in Muay Thai for 5 years due to her upright ...

(born 1982), Scottish kickboxer *

Amethyst Kelly Amethyst Amelia Kelly (born 7 June 1990), known professionally as Iggy Azalea (), is an Australian rapper. At the age of 16, Azalea moved from Australia to the United States in order to pursue a career in music. Azalea earned public recognitio ...

(born 1990), Australian rapper known as Iggy Azalea *

Archie Kelly Archibald Kelly (9 December 1921 – 15 July 2005) was a Scottish footballer who played as a centre forward. He is best remembered for his time with Motherwell, his goals helping the side to their first victories in both the Scottish Cup and S ...

(1921–2005), Scottish footballer *

Arvesta Kelly Arvesta Kelly (born November 20, 1945) is an American former professional basketball player. A combo guard, he played four seasons in the American Basketball Association (ABA), winning the title with the Pittsburgh Pipers in 1968. College career ...

(born 1945), American basketball player *

Autumn Kelly Autumn Patricia Phillips (née Kelly; born May 3, 1978) is the Canadian-born former wife of Peter Phillips, who is the son of Anne, Princess Royal and the eldest grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. After grad ...

(born 1978), wife of Peter Phillips, grandson of Queen Elizabeth II *

Barbara Kelly Barbara Kelly (5 October 1923 – 15 January 2007) was a Canadian-British actress, best known for her television roles in the United Kingdom opposite her husband Bernard Braden in the 1950s and 1960s, and for many appearances as a panelist ...

(1924–2007), Canadian-born English actress * Barbara L. Kelly (born 1966), Scottish-Irish musicologist *

Benedictus Marwood Kelly Benedictus Marwood Kelly (3 February 1785 – 26 September 1867) was an officer of the Royal Navy. He rose to the rank of Admiral (Royal Navy), admiral after service in the French Revolutionary Wars, French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars ...

(1785–1867), British naval officer *

Bernadette Kelly Dame Bernadette Mary Kelly (born 10 March 1964) is a British senior civil servant who has served as permanent secretary for the Department for Transport since 18 April 2017. Early life Kelly was born on 10 March 1964 to Edward and Teresa Kelly ...

(born 1964), British civil servant * Bernard Kelly (disambiguation), several people * Bernie Kelly (disambiguation), several people *

Brian Kelly (actor) Brian Kelly (February 14, 1931 – February 12, 2005) was an American actor widely known for his role as Porter Ricks, the widowed father of two sons on the NBC television series '' Flipper''. Early years Kelly was born in Detroit, Michig ...

(1931–2005), American actor * Brian Kelly (American football coach) (born 1961), American football coach *

Brigit Pegeen Kelly Brigit Pegeen Kelly (1951 – October 14, 2016) was an American poet and teacher. Born in Palo Alto, California, Kelly grew up in southern Indiana and lived much of her adult life in central Illinois. An intensely private woman, little is known ...

(1951–2016), American poet *

Bryan Kelly Bryan George Kelly (born January 3, 1934) is an English composer, conductor, and pianist from Oxford. He was a choir boy at Worcester College and attended Southfield Grammar School. After lessons with Harold Spicer, the long-serving organist and ...

(born 1934), English composer *

Carson Kelly Carson Franklin Kelly (born July 14, 1994) is an American professional baseball catcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the St. Louis Cardinals. Born in Chicago, Kelly was raised ...

(born 1994), American baseball player *

Cassandra Kelly Cassandra Kelly is an international advisor, speaker, and company director. She is a founding member of the European Union's Global Tech Panel, and Chair of Treasury Corporation of Victoria. She is co-founder of Pottinger and Atomli Inc. Her ...

, company director from Australia *

Cassandra Kelly (athlete) Cassandra Kelly (born 29 June 1963) is a retired athlete from New Zealand. She represented her country in pole vault, heptathlon and hurdles in two Commonwealth Games The Commonwealth Games, often referred to as the Friendly Games or simp ...

(born 1963), athlete from New Zealand * Chad Kelly (born 1994), American football player *

Charles E. Kelly (soldier) Charles E. Kelly (September 23, 1920 – January 11, 1985) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration for valor—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II. Kelly was the th ...

(1920–1985), American soldier * Charles E. Kelly (cartoonist) (1902–1981), Irish cartoonist * Charles L. Kelly (1925–1964), US Army helicopter pilot * Charlie Kelly (disambiguation), multiple people *

Chip Kelly Charles Edward Kelly (born November 25, 1963) is an American football coach who is the head coach of the UCLA Bruins. He came to prominence as the head coach of the Oregon Ducks from 2009 to 2012, whom he led to four consecutive BCS bowl ga ...

(born 1963), American football coach *Chris Kelly (1978–2013), American American hip hop artist. one half of the duo

Kris Kross Kris Kross was an American hip hop duo that consisted of Chris "Mac Daddy" Kelly and Chris "Daddy Mac" Smith. Kris Kross was the youngest hip-hop duo to gain success, with gold and platinum albums at 12 and 13 years old. The duo was discover ...

Claire Kelly Claire Kelly (March 15, 1934 – July 1, 1998) was an American actress and model. Early life Born Claire Ann Green, the daughter of a wealthy California rancher, she was trained at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York. Kelly started out a ...

(1934–1998), American actress *

Clare Kelly Clare Kelly (25 February 1922 – 18 February 2001) was an English actress who worked primarily in television. She was known for roles in films such as ''Georgy Girl'' (1966), '' And Soon the Darkness'' (1970), '' The Fourth Protocol'' (1987). TV ...

(1922–2001), English actress *

Colin Kelly Colin Purdie Kelly Jr. ( ; July 11, 1915 – December 10, 1941) was a World War II B-17 Flying Fortress pilot who flew bombing runs against the Japanese navy in the first days after the Pearl Harbor attack. He is remembered as one of the first ...

(1915–1941), World War II ace pilot *

Colin Kelly (American football) Colin Kelly (born December 29, 1989) is a professional gridiron football offensive tackle for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football at Oregon State Beavers football, Oregon State. He was signed ...

(born 1989), American football player *

Craig Kelly (actor) Craig Kelly (born 31 October 1970) is an English actor and voice-over narrator. He is best known for his roles as Vince Tyler in the Channel 4 television series ''Queer as Folk,'' as Luke Strong in ''Coronation Street,'' and as Harold Bride in ...

(born 1970), British actor *

Craig Kelly (politician) Craig Kelly (born 29 September 1963) is an Australian politician, who represented the Division of Hughes as a Liberal Party and later United Australia Party MP from 2010 to his defeat at the 2022 Australian federal election. Kelly initially ...

(born 1963), Australian politician *

Darren Kelly Darren Kelly (born 30 June 1979) is a Northern Irish professional Manager (association football), football manager and former Football player, player who played as a centre-back. He is the sporting director of club Newport County A.F.C., Newpor ...

(born 1978), Northern Irish footballer * Dave Kelly (disambiguation), several people * David Kelly (disambiguation), several people *

David Patrick Kelly David Patrick Kelly (born January 23, 1951) is an American actor, musician and lyricist who has appeared in numerous films and television series. He is best known for his role as the main antagonist, Luther, in the cult film '' The Warriors'' (19 ...

(born 1951), American actor, musician, and lyricist *

Dean Lennox Kelly Dean Lennox Kelly (born 30 November 1975) is an English actor. He is known for his television roles as Kev Ball in '' Shameless'' and Meredith Rutter in '' Jamestown''. Early life Kelly is from Lytham St Annes, Lancashire. He trained at the B ...

(born 1975), British actor *

De-Anne Kelly De-Anne Margaret Kelly (née Park; born 21 March 1954) is an Australian former politician. Kelly was a National Party member of the Australian House of Representatives from March 1996 until November 2007, representing the Division of Dawson, ...

(born 1954), Australian politician * Derrick Kelly II (born 1995), American football player * Des Kelly (born 1965), British journalist *

Don Kelly (baseball) Donald Thomas Kelly (born February 15, 1980) is an American professional baseball utility player and coach. He is the bench coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball (MLB). He played in MLB for the Pirates, Detroit Tigers, and M ...

(born 1980), American professional baseball player *

Eamon Kelly (actor) Eamon Kelly (30 March 1914 – 24 October 2001) was an Irish actor and playwright. In 1966, he received a Tony Award nomination for his performance in the 1964 play ''Philadelphia, Here I Come!''. Childhood Kelly was born in Gneeveguilla, ...

(1914–2001), Irish actor and author * Edna F. Kelly (1906–1997), American politician * Edward Kelly (disambiguation) *

Ellsworth Kelly Ellsworth Kelly (May 31, 1923 – December 27, 2015) was an American painter, sculptor, and printmaker associated with hard-edge painting, Color Field painting and minimalism. His works demonstrate unassuming techniques emphasizing line, c ...

(1923–2015), American painter and sculptor *

Emma Kelly Emma Thompson Kelly (December 17, 1918 – January 17, 2001) was an American musician. Known as the "Lady of 6,000 Songs", she appeared in both John Berendt's 1994 book ''Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil'' and its 1997 movie adaptation. ...

(1918–2001), American musician *

Emmett Kelly Emmett Leo Kelly (December 9, 1898March 28, 1979) was an American circus performer, who created the clown figure "Weary Willie," based on the hobos of the Great Depression in the 1930s. According to Charles W. Carey, Jr.: :Kelly’s creation of ...

(1898–1979), American circus performer * Eric P. Kelly (1884–1960), American author * Erin Kelly, American actress *

Erin Entrada Kelly Erin Entrada Kelly is an American writer of children's literature. She was awarded the Newbery Medal, 2018 John Newbery Medal by the Association for Library Service to Children for her third novel, ''Hello, Universe.'' Kelly also received a 2021 ...

(born 1977), Filipino-American writer of children's literature * Erin I. Kelly, American philosopher * Ethel Knight Kelly (1875–1949), Canadian–Australian actress and writer *

Eugene Kelly Eugene Kelly (born 9 August 1965) Eugene Kelly allmusic biography. is a Scottish musician who is a member of the group The Vaselines, a founding member of the now disbanded Eugenius and has had a number of solo releases. Eugene Kelly formed The ...

(born 1965), Scottish musician * Everett A. Kelly (1928–2018), American politician *

Fitzroy Kelly Sir Fitzroy Edward Kelly (9 October 1796 – 18 September 1880) was an English commercial lawyer, Tory politician and judge. He was the last Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer Background and education Kelly was born in London, the son of Robert ...

(1796–1880), British judge *

Florence Finch Kelly Florence Finch Kelly (March 27, 1858 – December 17, 1939) was an American feminist, suffragist, journalist and author of novels and short stories. Biography Florence Finch was born in Girard, Illinois, March 27, 1858. She was the youngest chi ...

(1858–1939), American journalist and novelist *

Fran Kelly Fran Kelly is an Australian radio presenter, current affairs journalist and political correspondent who hosted the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Radio National program ''Radio National Breakfast, Breakfast'' from March 2005 to early Dece ...

, Australian radio journalist *

Francis Kelly (Canadian politician) Francis Kelly (May 1806 – 19 April 1879) was a Canadians, Canadian Surveyor (surveying), surveyor, business agent, farmer, and politician, noted for his long service as a member of the government of Prince Edward Island (PEI), and as an ...

(1803–1879) * Francis Kelly (Medal of Honor) (1860–1938), American sailor *

Frank Kelly (disambiguation) Frank Kelly (1938–2016), was an Irish actor Frank Kelly may also refer to: * Frank Kelly (footballer, born 1892) (1892–1919), Scottish footballer *Frank Kelly (footballer, born 1910) (1910–1982), Australian rules footballer for Collingwood, ...

* Frederick Kelly (disambiguation) * Gabrielle Kelly, Irish statistician *

Gene Kelly Eugene Curran Kelly (August 23, 1912 – February 2, 1996) was an American actor, dancer, singer, filmmaker, and choreographer. He was known for his energetic and athletic dancing style and sought to create a new form of American dance accessibl ...

(1912–1996), American actor *

George Kelly (baseball) George Lange Kelly (September 10, 1895 – October 13, 1984), nicknamed "Long George" and "High Pockets", was an American professional baseball first baseman. He played most of his Major League Baseball (MLB) career for the New York Giants (191 ...

(1895–1984), American baseball player *

George "Machine Gun" Kelly Machine Gun Kelly most often refers to: * Machine Gun Kelly (gangster) (1900–1954), American gangster. * Machine Gun Kelly (musician) (born 1990), American rapper. Machine Gun Kelly may also refer to: * ''Machine-Gun Kelly'' (film), 1958 film a ...

(1895–1954), American gangster *

George Kelly (musician) George Kelly (July 31, 1915 – May 24, 1998) was an American jazz tenor saxophonist and arranger born in Miami, Florida. Panama Francis was a sideman in Kelly's band in the 1930s; Kelly played in Francis's Savoy Sultans band in the 1970s, and had ...

(1915–1998), American jazz tenor saxophonist and arranger *

George Kelly (psychologist) George Alexander Kelly (April 28, 1905 – March 6, 1967) was an American psychologist, therapist, educator and personality theorist. He is considered the father of cognitive clinical psychology and is best known for his theory of personality, ...

(1905–1967), American psychologist *

George Kelly (playwright) George Edward Kelly (January 16, 1887 – June 18, 1974) was an American playwright, screenwriter, Theatre director, director, and actor. He began his career in vaudeville as an actor and sketch writer. He became best known for his satiric c ...

, American playwright and uncle of Princess Grace *

Gerry Kelly (broadcaster) Gerald "Gerry" Kelly (born 20 September 1948) is a Northern Irish broadcaster and journalist, best known for his presenting career at UTV where he presented the Friday night talk and variety show ''Kelly'' from 1989 until 2005. He is currently ...

, Ulster Television presenter *

Gerry Kelly Gerard Kelly (Irish: Gearard Ó Ceallaigh; born 5 April 1953) is an Irish republican politician and former Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) member who played a leading role in the negotiations that led to the Good Friday Agreement on 1 ...

, Sinn Féin politician *

Grace Kelly Grace Patricia Kelly (November 12, 1929 – September 14, 1982) was an American actress who, after starring in several significant films in the early to mid-1950s, became Princess of Monaco by marrying Prince Rainier III in April 1956. Kelly ...

(1929–1982), American film actress, Princess of Monaco *

Graham Kelly (football administrator) Graham Kelly is an English football administrator. He was secretary of The Football League from 1978 to 1989 and chief executive of The Football Association (FA) from 1989 to 1998. He resigned from The Football Association in December 1998, a ...

(born c. 1945), English football administrator, formerly of the Football Association and the Football League * Guy E. Kelly, American politician * Gwen Kelly (1922–2012), Australian novelist and short-story writer *

Harry Kelly (politician) Harry Francis Kelly (April 19, 1895 – February 8, 1971) was an American politician. He served as the 39th governor of Michigan from 1943 to 1947. Early life Kelly was born in Ottawa, Illinois, one of nine siblings born to Mary Agnes (Morris ...

(1895–1971), Governor of Michigan *

Helen Kelly (trade unionist) Helen Kelly (19 September 1964 – 14 October 2016) was President of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions from 2007 to 2015. Early life Kelly was born in Wellington on 19 September 1964 to Pat Kelly and Catherine Eichelbaum, both strong soci ...

(1964–2016), New Zealand trade unionist *

Henry Kelly Henry Kelly (born 17 April 1946) is an Irish radio and television broadcaster, actor and journalist. Early life Kelly was born in Athlone, County Westmeath, Ireland, and educated at Belvedere College SJ, and at University College Dublin, where ...

(born 1946), Irish television presenter *

(born 1991), Game Artist & Author *

Henry Kelly (VC) Major Henry Kelly Victoria Cross, VC, Military Cross, MC & Bar (10 July 1887 – 18 July 1960) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded t ...

, Irish Victoria Cross recipient *

Hugh Kelly (poet) Hugh Kelly (1739 – 3 February 1777) was an Irish dramatist and poet. From the 1760s he was employed as a propagandist for the British government, attacking members of the Opposition. After arriving in London in 1760 to work as a staymak ...

(1739–1777), Irish dramatist and poet *

Hughie Kelly Hugh Thomas Kelly (23 July 1923 – 28 March 2009) was a Scottish professional football player and manager. He played as a left half and spent his entire 14-year professional career with Blackpool. Club career Born in Valleyfield, Fife, K ...

(1923–2009), Scottish international footballer * Hugh Kelly (goalkeeper) (1919–1977), Northern Irish international footballer * Hugh Craine Kelly (1848–1891), farmer and MHA in South Australia

J–M

Jack Kelly (actor) John Augustus Kelly Jr. (September 16, 1927 – November 7, 1992), known professionally as Jack Kelly, was an American film and television actor most noted for the role of Bart Maverick in the television series ''Maverick'', which ran on ...

(1927–1992), American actor *

Jackie Kelly Jacqueline Marie Kelly (born 18 February 1964) is a former Australian politician who served as a Liberal member of the Australian House of Representatives from March 1996 until November 2007, representing the Division of Lindsay, New South Wale ...

(born 1964), Australian politician *

James Kelly (basketball) James Kelly (born August 12, 1993) is an American professional basketball player for the Birmingham Squadron of the NBA G League. He played college basketball for Owens Community College, University of Miami and Marshall University before playing ...

(born 1993), American basketball player in the

Israel Basketball Premier League Ligat HaAl ( he, ליגת העל, lit., ''Supreme League or Premier League''), or the Israeli Basketball Premier League, is the top-tier level league of professional competition in Israeli club basketball, making it Israel's primary basketball co ...

James Kelly (Irish Army officer) Capt. James Kelly (16 October 1929 – 16 July 2003) was a former Irish Army intelligence officer who was found not guilty (along with two former Irish government ministers) of attempting to illegally import arms for the Provisional Irish Republ ...

(1929–2003), Irish army officer * James Kelly (U.S. representative) (1760–1819), U.S. politician *

James A. Kelly James Andrew Kelly (born September 15, 1936) is an American foreign policy advisor who served as Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs from 2001 to 2005. Education Raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Kelly attended Georgia Te ...

(born 1936), U.S. politician *

James Butler Knill Kelly James Butler Knill Kelly (18 February 1832 – 15 May 1907) was a bishop of the Church of England active in the British colony of Newfoundland and in Scotland. Kelly was a participant in the first Lambeth Conference, which was a crucial step i ...

(1832–1907), Scottish-born Canadian Anglican bishop, later Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church * James K. Kelly (1819–1903), American senator *

James M. Kelly (astronaut) James McNeal "Vegas" Kelly (born May 14, 1964) is a NASA Astronaut and a retired Colonel of the United States Air Force. He twice served as pilot on Space Shuttle missions. James Kelly is not related to Scott Kelly or Mark Kelly. Education ...

(born 1964), American astronaut * James M. Kelly (Maryland politician) (born 1960), American *

James Patrick Kelly James Patrick Kelly (born April 11, 1951 in Mineola, New York) is an American science fiction author who has won both the Hugo Award and the Nebula Award. Biography Kelly made his first fiction sale in 1975. He graduated magna cum laude from ...

(born 1951), American science fiction author * James Plunkett Kelly (1920–2003), Irish writer, author of ''Strumpet City'' * Jane Louise Kelly, Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit * Janis Kelly (volleyball) (born 1971), Canadian volleyball player * Janis Kelly (soprano), Scottish operatic soprano *

Jean-Baptiste Kelly Jean-Baptiste Kelly (5 October 1783 – 24 February 1854) was a Québécois Roman Catholic vicar-general of Irish ancestry who was active in Lower Canada. Early life and education Kelly's success had humble beginnings. He was born in Quebec ...

(1783–1854), Canadian vicar-general *

Jean Louisa Kelly Jean Louisa Kelly (born March 9, 1972) is an American actress and singer. After making her film debut as Tia Russell in '' Uncle Buck'' (1989) alongside John Candy, she appeared in a wide range of other films including '' The Fantasticks'' (1 ...

(born 1972), American actress * Jeremiah Kelly (1900–1962), Scottish footballer *

Jermaine Kelly Jermaine Elliott Kelly Jr. (born February 26, 1995) is an American football cornerback who is a free agent. He played college football at San Jose State and Washington. Kelly had 26 tackles and one fumble recovery as a junior. In 2017, he recorde ...

(born 1995), American football player *

Jill Kelly (actress) Jill Kelly (born February 1, 1971) is an American pornographic actress, director and producer. Kelly is an AVN Hall of Fame inductee. Career Kelly's stage name was derived from the names of the ''Charlie's Angels'' characters portrayed by Farr ...

(born 1971), American pornographic actress * Jim "Spider" Kelly (1912–?), Northern Irish boxer of the 1920s, '30s and '40s *

Jim Kelly James Edward Kelly (born February 14, 1960) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 11 seasons with the Buffalo Bills. He also spent two seasons with the Houston Gamblers of the United State ...

(born 1960), American football quarterback * Jimmy Kelly (American football), NFL player *

Jo Ann Kelly Jo Ann Kelly (5 January 1944 – 21 October 1990) was an English blues singer and guitarist. She is respected for her strong blues vocal style and for playing country blues guitar. Early life Kelly was born in Streatham, South London, England ...

(1944–1990), English blues singer and guitarist *

Joanne Kelly Joanne M. Kelly is a Canadian actress, known for her appearances in films such as '' Going the Distance'', and in the TV series '' Warehouse 13'' as the character Myka Bering, a Secret Service agent. Early life and education Joanne Kelly wa ...

(born 1980), Canadian actress *

Joe Kelly (disambiguation) Joe Kelly may refer to: Entertainment * Joe Kelly (parenting writer) (born 1954), co-founder of the U.S. advocacy non-profit Dads and Daughters * Joe Kelly (comics writer) (born 1971), comic book and animation writer * Joe Kelly (''General Hospita ...

, several people * John Kelly (architect) (1840–1904) * John Kelly (academic) (born 1955), Vice President Clemson University and President Florida Atlantic University * John Kelly (running back) (born 1996), American football player * John Robert Kelly (1849–1919), politician in South Australia, farmer in SA then Queensland. * Joe Kelly (racing driver), Formula 1 driver in the 1950 & 1951 British Grand Prix *

John B. Kelly Sr. John Brendan Kelly Sr. (October 4, 1889 – June 20, 1960) was an American triple Olympic champion, the first in the sport of rowing. The Philadelphia-based Kelly also was a multimillionaire in the bricklaying and construction industry. He also ...

, Olympic medaling rower; father of Grace Kelly and John B. Kelly Jr. *

John B. Kelly Jr. John Brenden "Jack" Kelly Jr. (May 24, 1927 – March 2, 1985), also known as Kell Kelly, was an American athlete, an accomplished rower, a four-time Olympian, and an Olympic medal winner. He was the son of triple Olympic gold medal winner Jac ...

, aka Jack Kelly, Olympic medaling rower, politician, president of the US Olympic Committee * John F. Kelly (born 1950), U.S. Marine Corps general, Trump administration chief of staff * John J. Kelly,

Medal of Honor The Medal of Honor (MOH) is the United States Armed Forces' highest military decoration and is awarded to recognize American soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, guardians and coast guardsmen who have distinguished themselves by acts of valor. ...

recipient * John Larry Kelly Jr., Bell Labs scientist who formulated the Kelly criterion * John Melville Kelly (1877–1962), American artist *

John Norman Davidson Kelly John Norman Davidson Kelly (13 April 1909 – 31 March 1997) was a British theologian and academic at the University of Oxford and Principal of St Edmund Hall, Oxford, between 1951 and 1979, during which the hall transformed into an independen ...

(1909–1997), theologian and principal of St Edmund Hall, Oxford University *

Johnny Kelly Johnny Kelly (born March 9, 1968) is an American musician, best known as the former drummer of gothic metal band Type O Negative. He is the current drummer for the bands Silvertomb, A Pale Horse Named Death, Kill Devil Hill, Danzig, and Qu ...

(born 1968), American musician * Joseph Kelly (disambiguation), several people *

Josephine Gates Kelly Josephine Gates Kelly (January 24, 1888 – October 23, 1976) was a Native American civil rights, Native American activist. In 1946, she became the first female chair of a Tribal council (United States), tribal council in United States history ...

(1888-1976), Native American activist and politician *

Kameron Kelly Kameron Rashad Kelly (born August 19, 1996) is a professional gridiron football defensive back for the St. Louis Battlehawks of the United Football League (UFL). He played college football at San Diego State University. Early years Kelly ...

(born 1996), American football player *

Karen Kelly Karen Kelly is a camogie player and teacher, winner of two Soaring Star awards in 2009 and 2011 and played in the 2009 All Ireland junior camogie final. The leading scorer in her side's impressive march to the final, Karen has won two National ...

Irish camogie player * Kate Kelly (disambiguation) *

Katherine Kelly (actress) Katherine Sinead Kelly (born 19 November 1979) is an English actress and presenter, who made her TV debut in 2003, appearing on ''Last of the Summer Wine''. Kelly rose to prominence after portraying Becky McDonald in the ITV soap opera ''Coronat ...

, English actress, best known as Becky McDonald in ''Coronation Street'' *

Kathy Kelly Kathy Kelly (born 1952) is an American peace activist, pacifist and author, one of the founding members of ''Voices in the Wilderness'', and, until the campaign closed in 2020, a co-coordinator of ''Voices for Creative Nonviolence''. As part of p ...

, pacifist * Keith Kelly (singer) (born 1935), English pop singer, guitarist and songwriter *

Kelly Kelly Barbara Blank Coba (born Barbara Jean Blank; January 15, 1987), known professionally as Barbie Blank and by her ring name Kelly Kelly, is an American professional wrestler and model. Blank has a background in gymnastics and cheerleading, an ...

, ring name of American professional wrestler Barbara Blank (born 1987) * Ken Kelly (disambiguation) *

Kevin Kelly (editor) Kevin Kelly (born 1952) is the founding executive editor of ''Wired'' magazine, and a former editor/publisher of the ''Whole Earth Review''. He has also been a writer, photographer, conservationist, and student of Asian and digital culture. ...

, Executive editor of ''Wired'' * Kevin T. Kelly (born 1960), American Postmodern Pop Artist * Kieran Kelly (disambiguation) *

King Kelly Michael Joseph "King" Kelly (December 31, 1857 – November 8, 1894), also commonly known as "$10,000 Kelly", was an American outfielder, catcher, and manager in various professional American baseball leagues including the National League, Inter ...

(1857–1894), American baseball player * Klesie Kelly, American soprano *

Laura Kelly Laura Jeanne Kelly (born January 24, 1950)"Laura Kelly,"
''Kansapedia,''

(born 1950), American politician *

Lee Charles Kelley Lee Charles Kelley is an American novelist and dog trainer living in Manhattan. Kelley is the author of six detective novels featuring Jack Field, an NYPD homicide cop who loves dogs and hates people, so he takes early retirement, moves to Maine, ...

, American dog trainer and mystery novelist * Leonard "Red" Kelly (1927–2019), Canadian hockey player and politician *

Liam Kelly (Irish republican) Liam Kelly (29 September 1922 – 7 June 2011) was an Irish republican, who was elected both to the House of Commons of Northern Ireland (1953–1958) (as an abstentionist) and as a member of the upper house of the Irish legislature Seanad Éi ...

, (1922-2011), paramilitary leader and elected official *

Lisa Kelly Lisa Kelly (born 7 May 1977) is an Irish singer of both classical and Celtic music and a voice teacher. She has taken part in many musical theatre productions and concerts, and is a founding and former member of the musical group Celtic Woman ...

(born 1977), Irish singer (Celtic Woman soloist) * Lisa Kelly (trucker), television personality *

Lisa Robin Kelly Lisa Robin Kelly (March 5, 1970 – August 15, 2013) was an American actress. She was best known for her role as Laurie Forman on the TV series ''That '70s Show''. Early life Kelly was born in Southington, Connecticut, and raised there and in Mo ...

(1975–2013), American actress *

Lorraine Kelly Lorraine Kelly, (born 30 November 1959) is a Scottish journalist and television presenter. She has presented various television shows for ITV, including '' Good Morning Britain'' (1988–1992), '' GMTV'' (1993–2010), ''This Morning'' (2003 ...

, Scottish television presenter *

Luke Kelly Luke Kelly (17 November 1940 – 30 January 1984) was an Irish singer, folk musician and actor from Dublin, Ireland. Born into a working-class household in Dublin city, Kelly moved to England in his late teens and by his early 20s had become i ...

(1940–1984), Irish singer and folk musician * Luke Kelly (rugby league) (born 1989), Australian rugby league player * Lynne Kelly (science writer) (born 1951), Australian writer *

Maeve Kelly Maeve Kelly (born 1930) is an Irish writer. Career Kelly was born in Ennis, County Clare and raised in Dundalk, County Louth, Ireland. She settled in Limerick and studied nursing at St. Andrew's Hospital in London London is the capita ...

(born 1930), Irish writer *

Manus Kelly Manus "Mandy" Kelly (9 February 1978 – 23 June 2019) was an Irish rally driver, businessman, and local politician. As a rally driver, he participated in the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship and won the Donegal International Rally on three cons ...

, Irish businessman and rally driver * Mark Kelly (disambiguation), several people * Martin Kelly (disambiguation), several people **

Martin Kelly (footballer) Martin Ronald Kelly (born 27 April 1990) is an English professional Association football, footballer who currently plays as a Defender (association football), defender for EFL Championship, Championship side Wigan Athletic F.C., Wigan Athletic, ...

, English footballer, currently playing for Crystal Palace *

Mary Kelly (artist) Mary Kelly (born 1941, Fort Dodge, Iowa) is an American conceptual artist, feminist, educator, and writer.Walker, John A''Art and Outrage: Provocation, Controversy and the Avant-garde.'', London: Pluto, 1999 page 83 Kelly has contributed extens ...

(born 1941), American artist and writer *

Mary Jane Kelly Mary Jane Kelly ( – 9 November 1888), also known as Marie Jeanette Kelly, Fair Emma, Ginger, Dark Mary and Black Mary, is widely believed to have been the final victim of the notorious unidentified serial killer Jack the Ripper, who murdered ...

(c. 1863 – 1888), British prostitute and victim of Jack the Ripper *

Matthew Kelly Matthew Kelly (born David Allan Kelly, 9 May 1950) is an English actor and presenter. Having been trained as a theatre actor, he first came to public prominence as a television presenter of ITV light entertainment shows such as '' Game for a ...

(born 1950), British television presenter *

Matthew Kelly (musician) Matthew Kelly, also known as Matt Kelly, is an American musician, singer, and songwriter. He plays guitar and harmonica. Kelly is best known for being the leader of the rock band Kingfish, and for his association with Bob Weir and the Gra ...

, American rock musician *

Megyn Kelly Megyn Marie Kelly (; born November 18, 1970) is an American journalist and media personality. She currently hosts a talk show and podcast, ''The Megyn Kelly Show'', that airs live daily on SiriusXM. She was a talk show host at Fox News from 200 ...

(born 1970), American newscaster * Melissa J. Kelly (born 1962), Maryland (USA) politician *

Merrill Kelly Kenneth Merrill Kelly (born October 14, 1988) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut on April 1, 2019. Kelly formerly played for the SK Wyverns of the KBO ...

(born 1988), American baseball player *

Mervin Kelly Mervin Joseph Kelly (February 14, 1894 – March 18, 1971) was an American industrial physicist. He worked at Bell Labs from 1925 to 1959, in which time he held positions such as director of research, president, and chairman of the board of direc ...

(1894–1971), American physicist *

Michael Kelly (disambiguation) Michael, Mike or Mick Kelly may refer to: Politics * Mike Kelly (Alaska politician) (1942–2016), Republican member of the Alaska House of Representatives * Mike Kelly (Pennsylvania politician) (born 1948), politician and U.S. Representative fro ...

Michael Kelly (physicist) Michael Joseph Kelly FRS FREng (born 14 May 1949) is a New Zealand- British physicist. He was Prince Philip Professor of Technology in the Department of Engineering of the University of Cambridge from 2002 to 2016. Education Born in New Plymou ...

, New Zealand-British physicist **

Michael Kelly (tenor) Michael Kelly (25 December 1762 – 9 October 1826) was an Irish tenor, composer and theatrical manager who made an international career of importance in musical history. One of the leading figures in British musical theatre around the turn of ...

(1762–1826), Irish actor, singer and composer **

Michael Kelly (bishop) Michael Kelly (13 February 1850 – 8 March 1940) was an Irish-born Roman Catholic bishop who became the fourth Archbishop of Sydney. Early life Born at Waterford, Ireland, to James Kelly, a master mariner, and Mary ''née'' Grant, Kelly was ...

, fourth Roman Catholic Archbishop of Sydney ** Michael Kelly (sport shooter) (1872–1923), American Olympic sport shooter **

Michael Kelly (editor) Michael Thomas Kelly (March 17, 1957 – April 4, 2003) was an American journalist for ''The New York Times'', a columnist for ''The Washington Post'' and ''The New Yorker'', and a magazine editor for ''The New Republic'', ''National Journal ...

, American writer and editor **

Michael Kelly (Lord Provost) Michael Kelly (born 1 November 1940) is a Scottish Labour politician and businessman. He graduated from the University of Strathclyde and became a lecturer in Economics there and a Labour councillor. From 1984 he was Managing Director of Michae ...

, former Lord Provost of the City of Glasgow and businessman **

Michael Kelly (actor) Michael Kelly (born May 22, 1969) is an American actor, best known for his role as Doug Stamper on the television drama series ''House of Cards''. Early life and education Kelly grew up in Lawrenceville, Georgia, the son of Maureen and Micha ...

, American actor featured in ''Dawn of the Dead'' (2004) ** Michael Kelly (baseball), American baseball player ** Michael Eugene Kelly, automotive manufacturing entrepreneur and investment holding businessman *

Mike Kelly (journalist) Mike Kelly is a columnist for ''The Record'', a newspaper serving Bergen County, New Jersey. Education In 1975, Kelly obtained his degree from Syracuse University with a double major in American studies and Journalism. Later, he took graduate cour ...

, contemporary American journalist * Mike Kelly (born 1942), English football goalkeeper and goalkeeping coach *

Mike Kelly (outfielder) Michael Raymond Kelly (born June 2, 1970) is an American former Major League Baseball outfielder for the Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, and Colorado Rockies. Amateur career Kelly attended Los Alamitos High School in Los A ...

(born 1970), baseball outfielder *

Mike Kelly (Australian politician) Colonel Michael Joseph Kelly, (born 23 February 1960) is a former Australian politician who twice represented the Division of Eden-Monaro in the Parliament of Australia, from 2007 to 2013 and again from 2016 to 2020. He is a member of the Austr ...

, contemporary Australian politician *

Minka Kelly Minka Kelly (born June 24, 1980) is an American actress and model. Her first starring role was in the NBC drama series '' Friday Night Lights'' (2006–2009) and she has also appeared on the shows '' Parenthood'' (2010–2011), ''Charlie's Ang ...

, American actress *

Moira Kelly Moira Kelly (born on March 6, 1968 in Queens, New York) is an American actress. She is known for portraying Kate Moseley in the 1992 film ''The Cutting Edge'' as well as single mother Karen Roe on the teen drama '' One Tree Hill''. She is also k ...

, American actress

N–Z

Nancy Kelly Nancy Kelly (March 25, 1921 – January 2, 1995) was an American actress in film, theater and television. A child actress and model, she was a repertory cast member of CBS Radio's ''The March of Time'' and appeared in several films in the late 1 ...

(1921–1995), American actress *

Natália Kelly Natália Kelly (born December 18, 1994) is an American-Austrian singer. She currently resides in Bad Vöslau, Lower Austria. Kelly represented Austria at the Eurovision Song Contest 2013 in Malmö, Sweden, with the song " Shine". Biography 2 ...

(born 1994), Austrian singer *

Ned Kelly Edward Kelly (December 1854 – 11 November 1880) was an Australian bushranger, outlaw, gang leader and convicted police-murderer. One of the last bushrangers, he is known for wearing a suit of bulletproof armour during his final shootout wi ...

(1854–1880), Australian outlaw * Neil Kelly, British rugby league footballer and coach * Noel Kelly (disambiguation), several people *

Pat Kelly (trade unionist) Patrick Joseph Kelly (20 November 1929 – 24 June 2004) was a New Zealand trade unionist. Kelly emigrated from Liverpool to New Zealand in 1954 and started working at the Methven tap factory in Dunedin. He was an official of the Drivers' Uni ...

(1929–2004), New Zealand trade unionist * Patrick Kelly (disambiguation) *

Paul Kelly (journalist) Paul John Kelly (born 11 October 1947) is an Australian political journalist, author and television and radio commentator from Sydney. He has worked in a variety of roles, principally for ''The Australian'' newspaper, and is currently its edit ...

, Australian *

Paul Kelly (disambiguation) Paul Kelly may refer to: Academia * Paul Kelly (mathematician) (1915–1995), American mathematician * Paul Kelly (journalist) (born 1947), Australian journalist * Paul Kelly (lawyer) (born c. 1955), American lawyer and former NHL Players Associat ...

, multiple people * Paula Kelly (disambiguation), several people *

Petra Kelly Petra Karin Kelly (29 November 1947 – 1 October 1992) was a German Green politician and ecofeminist activist. She was a founding member of the German Green Party, the first Green party to rise to prominence both nationally in Germany and wo ...

(1947–1992), co-founder of German Green Party * Raymond Kelly (disambiguation), multiple people *

Richard Kelly (director) James Richard Kelly (born March 28, 1975) is an American filmmaker and screenwriter, who initially gained recognition for writing and directing the cult classic ''Donnie Darko'' in 2001. Early life Kelly was born James Richard Kelly in Newport ...

(born 1975), American *

Richard Kelly (Florida politician) Richard Kelly (July 31, 1924 – August 22, 2005) was an American politician from Florida. He was a Republican. He was convicted of taking bribes in the 1980 Abscam scandal. Early life and career Kelly was born July 31, 1924, in Atlanta, Georgia, ...

(1924–2005), American *

Rick Kelly Rick Kelly (born 17 January 1983) is an Australian professional racing driver who previously competed in the Supercars Championship. He last drove the No. 15 Ford Mustang GT for Kelly Racing. Previously, he drove for the HSV Dealer Team with w ...

(born 1983), Australian racing driver *

Robert Kelly (poet) Robert Kelly (born September 24, 1935) is an American poet associated with the deep image group. He is the 2016-201Poet Laureate of Dutchess County New York. Early life and education Kelly was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Samuel Jason and Mar ...

(born 1935), American poet * Robert Kelly (politician) (1845–1920), MHA of South Australia * Robert Kelly (singer) (born 1967), birth name of R. Kelly, American singer-songwriter, and record producer *

Ruth Kelly Ruth Maria Kelly (born 9 May 1968) is a former British Labour Party politician who served as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Bolton West from 1997 until she stood down in 2010. Previously, she served as the Secretary of State for Transport, ...

(born 1968), British politician * Ryan Kelly (disambiguation) *

Samantha Kelly Samantha Kelly (born 1 August 1997) is a Northern Irish footballer who plays as a midfielder A midfielder is an outfield position in association football. Midfielders may play an exclusively defensive role, breaking up attacks, and a ...

, American voice actress * Scott Kelly (disambiguation), several people *

Sean Kelly (cyclist) John James 'Sean' Kelly (born 24 May 1956) is an Irish former professional road bicycle racer, one of the most successful road cyclists of the 1980s, and one of the finest Classics riders of all time. From becoming a professional in 1977 until ...

(born 1956), Irish * Stuart Kelly (rugby league) (born 1976), Australian rugby league player * Stuart Kelly (footballer) (born 1981), Scottish footballer *

Stuart Kelly (literary critic) Stuart Kelly is a Scottish critic and author. He is the literary editor of ''The Scotsman''. His works include ''The Book Of Lost Books: An Incomplete Guide To All The Books You’ll Never Read'' (2005), ''Scott-Land: The Man Who Invented A Nat ...

, Scottish critic and author * Sue W. Kelly (born 1936), American politician * T. C. Kelly (1917–1985), Irish composer *

The Kelly Family The Kelly Family is an Irish-American music group consisting of a multi-generational family, usually nine siblings who were joined occasionally on stage in their earlier years by their parents. They play a repertoire of rock, pop, and folk music ...

, European-American musicians * Thomas Kelly (cricketer) *

Thomas Kelly (Medal of Honor, 1898) Thomas Kelly (March 17, 1871 – December 17, 1920) was a Private (rank)#United States, private serving in the United States Army during the Spanish–American War who received the Medal of Honor for bravery. Biography Kelly was born in Ireland s ...

, American Medal of Honor recipient *

Thomas C. Kelly Thomas Cajetan Kelly (July 14, 1931 – December 14, 2011) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. A member of the Dominican Order, Kelley served as archbishop of the Archdiocese of Louisville in Kentucky from 1982 until his retire ...

, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Louisville, Kentucky *

Thomas Forrest Kelly Thomas Forrest Kelly (born 1943) is an American musicologist, musician, and scholar. He is the Morton B. Knafel Professor of Music at Harvard University. His most recent books include: ''The Role of the Scroll'' (2019), ''Capturing Music: The Story ...

(born 1943), American musicologist * Thomas J. Kelly (Irish nationalist) * Thomas J. Kelly (Medal of Honor), American Medal of Honor recipient * Thomas Raymond Kelly (Quaker mystic) (1893–1941), Quaker mystic *

Todd Kelly Todd Kelly (born 9 October 1979) is a retired Australian professional racing driver who competed in the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship. He is the older brother of fellow Supercars driver and former Bathurst 1000 winner, Rick Kelly. H ...

(born 1979), Australian racing driver *

Tom Kelly (baseball) Jay Thomas Kelly (born August 15, 1950) is an American former professional baseball player, coach and manager. As the manager of the Minnesota Twins of Major League Baseball over 16 seasons from mid-September through , he won two World Series ch ...

(born 1950), manager of the American baseball team the Minnesota Twins *

Thomas J. Kelly (aerospace engineer) Thomas Joseph Kelly (June 14, 1929March 23, 2002) was an American aerospace engineer. Kelly primarily worked on the Apollo Lunar Module, which earned him the name of "Father of the Lunar Module" from NASA. Kelly graduated from Cornell Universi ...

(1929–2002), American aerospace engineer *

Tom Kelly (Gaelic footballer) Tom Kelly is a former Gaelic footballer from County Laois. His club is St Joseph's. He usually played at centre back for Laois and in 2003 won an All Stars Award and was part of the Laois team that won the Leinster Senior Football Championsh ...

, footballer *

Tom Kelly (SDLP politician) Tom Kelly, OBE, DL, is an Irish and UK media commentator, businessman and former vice chairman of the Social Democratic and Labour Party in Northern Ireland. The grandson of the IRA War of Independence veteran and Irish Labour activist Tom Kell ...

, media commentator and member of the Social Democratic and Labour Party in Northern Ireland *

Tom Kelly (musician) Thomas F. Kelly (born April 16, 1952) is an American musician, best known for his songwriting partnership with Billy Steinberg. Steinberg and Kelly co-wrote numerous hit songs for popular music artists, including five number-one singles on the ...

, American songwriter *

Tommy Kelly (actor) Thomas Francis Kelly (April 6, 1925 – January 26, 2016), professionally known as Tommy Kelly, was an American child actor. He played the title role in ''The Adventures of Tom Sawyer'' in 1938 based on Mark Twain's novel of the same name. Earl ...

(1925–2016), American child actor *

Ty Kelly Tyler Patrick Kelly (טיי קלי; born July 20, 1988) is an American-Israeli professional baseball utility player who is a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Mets. He plays ...

(born 1988), American-Israeli baseball player * Van Kelly, baseball player *

Walt Kelly Walter Crawford Kelly Jr. (August 25, 1913 – October 18, 1973), commonly known as Walt Kelly, was an American animator and cartoonist, best known for the comic strip ''Pogo (comic strip), Pogo''. He began his animation career in 1936 at The Walt ...

(1913–1973), American cartoonist * Walter F. Kelly (1874–1961), American college sports coach *

William Kelly (inventor) William Kelly (August 21, 1811 – February 11, 1888), born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was an American inventor. He is credited with being one of the inventors of modern steel production, through the process of injecting air into molten iron, ...

(1811–1888), American *

William Kelly (Alabama politician) William Kelly (September 22, 1786August 24, 1834) was an American politician, who served as the Democratic-Republican U.S. senator from the state of Alabama from December 12, 1822, to 1825. He was originally elected to fill the remainder of John ...

(1786–1834), American politician *

William Kelly (Bible scholar) William Kelly (May 1821 – 27 March 1906) was a prominent Irish member of the Plymouth Brethren, amongst whom he was a prolific writer. Biography Kelly was born in Millisle, County Down, Ireland. He was educated at Trinity College, Dublin. Lef ...

(1821–1906), member of the Plymouth Brethren *

William Osmund Kelly William Osmund Kelly (December 10, 1909 – July 1974) was an American politician who served as mayor of Flint, Michigan. He also filled the position of President for Saint Matthew Men's Club, the Flint Bowling Association and the Michigan Cha ...

, Flint, Michigan Mayor, 1940–44 *

William W. J. Kelly William Washington Jones Kelly (April 7, 1814 – September 8, 1878) was the first Lieutenant Governor of Florida. Kelly was born in Wilmington, North Carolina Wilmington is a port city in and the county seat of New Hanover County in coa ...

, Lieutenant Governor of Florida, 1865–68 *

Wynton Kelly Wynton Charles Kelly (December 2, 1931 – April 12, 1971) was an American jazz pianist and composer. He is known for his lively, blues-based playing and as one of the finest accompanists in jazz. He began playing professionally at the age of ...

(1931–1971), Jamaican-born jazz pianist * Xavier Kelly (born 1997), American football player *

Zack Kelly Zachery Reed Kelly (born March 3, 1995) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut in 2022. Career Amateur career Kelly graduated from Lord Botetourt High School in D ...

(born 1995), American baseball player

O'Kelly

Albéric O'Kelly de Galway Albéric Joseph Rodolphe Marie Robert Ghislain O'Kelly de Galway (17 May 1911, in Anderlecht – 3 October 1980, in Brussels) was a Belgian chess Grandmaster (1956), an International Correspondence Chess Grandmaster (1962), and the third ICCF W ...

(1911–1980), Belgian chess grandmaster *

Aloysius O'Kelly Aloysius O'Kelly (3 July 1853 in Dublin – 12 January 1936) was an Irish painter. Early life Aloysius was born to John and Bridget O'Kelly in Peterson's Lane (now Lombard Street East), Dublin 3 July 1853. He was the youngest of four boys ...

(1853–1936), Irish painter, brother of James Joseph O'Kelly *

Christopher O'Kelly Christopher Patrick John O'Kelly (18 November 1895 – 15 November 1922) was a Canadian First World War officer and prospector. O'Kelly was a recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of ...

(1895–1922), Canadian recipient of the Victoria Cross *

Claire O'Kelly Claire O'Kelly (21 July 1916 – 23 October 2004) was an Irish archaeologist, notable as the first person to write up an accessible account of Irish archaeological sites. She was key to the realisation of the importance of the solstice connect ...

(1916–2004), Irish archaeologist * Don O'Kelly (1924–1966), American actor * Gabriel O'Kelly (died 1731), Bishop of Elphin from 1718 to 1731 *

James Joseph O'Kelly James Joseph O'Kelly (1845 – 22 December 1916) was an Irish nationalist journalist, politician and member of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and as member of the Irish Parliamentary Party represented t ...

(1845–1916), Irish politician * John J. O'Kelly (1872–1957), Irish politician *

Joseph O'Kelly Joseph O'Kelly (29 January 1828 – 9 January 1885), composer, pianist and choral conductor, was the most prominent member of a family of Irish musicians in 19th- and early 20th-century France. He wrote nine operas, four cantatas, numerous piano ...

(1828–1885), Franco-Irish composer, and his brothers Auguste (1829–1900) and

George George may refer to: People * George (given name) * George (surname) * George (singer), American-Canadian singer George Nozuka, known by the mononym George * George Washington, First President of the United States * George W. Bush, 43rd Presid ...

(1831–1914) *

Malcolm O'Kelly Malcolm O'Kelly (born 19 July 1974) is an Irish former rugby union player who played as a lock for Ireland and Leinster. O'Kelly was born in Chelmsford, England, and attended Templeogue College secondary school in Dublin, Ireland. He has played ...

(born 1974), Irish rugby player *

Seán T. O'Kelly Seán Thomas O'Kelly ( ga, Seán Tomás Ó Ceallaigh; 25 August 1882 – 23 November 1966), originally John T. O'Kelly, was an Irish Fianna Fáil politician who served as the second president of Ireland from June 1945 to June 1959. He also serve ...

(1882–1966), second President of Ireland *

Seumas O'Kelly Seumas O'Kelly (1881 – 14 November 1918) was an Irish journalist, fiction writer, and playwright. Born in Loughrea, County Galway, O'Kelly was educated locally and began his career as a journalist with the Cork newspaper ''Southern Star' ...

(1881–1918), Irish writer

Kelley

Abby Kelley Abby Kelley Foster (January 15, 1811 – January 14, 1887) was an American Abolitionism in the United States, abolitionist and radical social Reform movement#United States reform movements of the 1840s – 1930s, reformer active from the 1830s ...

(1811–1887), Quaker abolitionist and social reformer; mentor of Susan B. Anthony *

Alfred Kelley Alfred Kelley (November 7, 1789—December 2, 1859) was a Banking, banker, canal builder, lawyer, railroad executive, and state legislator in the U.S. state, state of Ohio in the United States. He is considered by historians to be one of the mo ...

(1789–1859), American lawyer, canal builder, railroad magnate, and legislator *

Alton Kelley Alton Kelley (June 17, 1940 – June 1, 2008) was an American artist known for his psychedelic art, in particular his designs for 1960s rock concert posters and album covers. Along with artists Rick Griffin, Stanley Mouse, Victor Moscoso an ...

an American artist * Ann Kelley, British writer *

Ann E. Kelley Ann Elizabeth Kelley (1954–2007) was an American neuroscientist, who specialized in the neuroscience of reward and behavior. She was a professor at the University of Wisconsin. Biography Kelley was born in Milton, Massachusetts. She became i ...

, American neurosurgeon (1954–2007), American neuroscientist *

Augustine B. Kelley Augustine Bernard Kelley (July 9, 1883 – November 20, 1957) was an American politician who served as a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania from 1941 to 1957. Life and career Kelley was born in New Baltim ...

(1883–1957), US Congressman from Pennsylvania, grandfather of Sheila Kelly * Brian Kelley (disambiguation), several people *

Charles Kelley Charles Burgess Kelley (born September 11, 1981) is an American singer, songwriter and lead singer and founding member of the country music trio Lady A, which was formed in 2006 and are signed to Big Machine Records. Early life and career Kelle ...

, musician * Clarence M. Kelley (1911–1977) * Cole Kelley (born 1997), American football player *

David Kelley David Christopher Kelley (born June 23, 1949) is an American philosopher. He is a professed Objectivist, though his position that Objectivism can be revised and influenced by other schools of thought has prompted disagreements with other Objec ...

(born 1949), American objectivist philosopher *

David E. Kelley David Edward Kelley (born April 4, 1956) is an American television writer, producer, and former attorney, known as the creator of '' Doogie Howser, M.D.'', '' Picket Fences'', ''Chicago Hope'', ''The Practice'', '' Ally McBeal'', ''Boston Publi ...

(born 1956), American television writer and producer * Dean M. Kelley (1927–1977), American author and religious freedom advocate *

DeForest Kelley Jackson DeForest Kelley (January 20, 1920 – June 11, 1999), known to colleagues as "Dee", was an American actor, screenwriter, poet, and singer. He was known for his roles in Westerns and as Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy of the in the televisio ...

(1920–1999), actor, famous for ''Star Trek'' * Devin Kelley (born 1986), American actress *

Douglas Kelley Lt. Colonel Douglas McGlashan Kelley (11 August 1912 – January 1, 1958) was a United States Army Military Intelligence Corps officer who served as chief psychiatrist at Nuremberg Prison during the Nuremberg War Trials. He worked to asce ...

(1912–1958), American psychiatrist at the Nuremberg War Trials *

Edward Kelley Sir Edward Kelley or Kelly, also known as Edward Talbot (; 1 August 1555 – 1597/8), was an English people, English Renaissance magic, Renaissance occultist and scryer. He is best known for working with John Dee (mathematician), John Dee in hi ...

(1555–1597), alchemist and spirit medium, possible creator of Enochian *

Florence Kelley Florence Moltrop Kelley (September 12, 1859 – February 17, 1932) was a social and political reformer and the pioneer of the term wage abolitionism. Her work against sweatshops and for the minimum wage, eight-hour workdays, and children's rig ...

(1859–1932), social/consumer safety/civil rights activist *

Francis Kelley Francis Clement Kelley (October 23, 1870 – February 1, 1948) was a Canadian-born Catholic bishop. He was the second Bishop of Oklahoma City, as well as an author and diplomat. He was a Catholic priest for 54 years, and bishop for 23 years ...

(1870–1948), American Roman Catholic Bishop *

Geoffrey Kelley Geoffrey Kelley (born February 17, 1955) is a Canadian politician, coach and teacher. He was a member of National Assembly of Quebec for the riding of Jacques-Cartier in Montreal's West Island region from 1994 to 2018, representing the Quebec Li ...

(born 1955), Canadian politician *

Harold Kelley Harold Kelley (February 16, 1921 – January 29, 2003) was an American social psychologist and professor of psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles. His major contributions have been the development of interdependence theory ...

, psychologist *

Harold Kelley (rugby league) Harold Percival Sidney Kelley (1880-1948) was a rugby league footballer in the New South Wales Rugby Football League premiership in rugby league's founding season in Australia. Kelley played for the Eastern Suburbs club in the years 1908 and ...

, Australian rugby league footballer * Homer Kelley (1907–1983), American golf instructor * Honora Kelley (1857–1938), American serial killer * Horace Kelley (1819–1890), American businessman and co-founder of the Cleveland Museum of Art *

Ike Kelley Dwight Allen "Ike" Kelley (born July 14, 1944) is a former American football linebacker who played five seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 17th round of the 1966 ...

(born 1944), American football player *

Jack Kelley (journalist) Jack Kelley is a former reporter for ''USA Today''. Kelley resigned in 2004 following a scandal. Scandal Kelley is best known for his professional downfall in 2004, when it was revealed that he had long been fabricating stories, going so far as to ...

, disgraced American journalist *

Jacquelyn Kelley Jacquelyn Kelley ée Savage(November 11, 1926 – May 12, 1988) was an American utility infielder/outfielder and pitcher who played from through in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Listed at , 140 lb., she batted and th ...

(1926–1988), All-American Girls Professional Baseball League *

Jill Kelley Jill Kelley (born June 3, 1975) is a Lebanese-American philanthropist, activist, and diplomatic advisor. She is also a former South Korean Honorary Consul, and a former honorary ambassador to U.S. Central Command under General James N. Matti ...

(born 1975), American socialite and volunteer military liaison; connected with 2012 scandals involving Generals David Petraeus and John R. Allen, as well as the FBI * Joseph James Kelley (1871–1943), American baseball player * John L. Kelley (1916–1999), mathematician *

Johnny Kelley John Adelbert Kelley (September 6, 1907 – October 6, 2004) was an American long-distance runner who twice represented his native country at the Summer Olympics, in 1936 and 1948, and competed in the Boston Marathon over 50 times, winning in 19 ...

(1907–2004), American long-distance runner *

Josh Kelley Joshua Bishop Kelley Sr. (born January 30, 1980) is an American singer-songwriter. Kelley has recorded for Hollywood Records, Threshold Records and DNK Records as a pop rock artist. His songs "Amazing" and "Only You" reached the top ten on the ...

, singer/songwriter *

Joshua Kelley Joshua Tyler Kelley (born November 20, 1997) is an American football running back for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). He began his college football career with the UC Davis Aggies before transferring to the UCLA ...

(born 1997), American football player * Ken Kelley (American football) (born 1960), American football player *

Ken Kelley (journalist) Ken Kelley (September 24, 1949 – January 13, 2008) was an American journalist and publisher, active in the underground press movement. He founded and edited the underground magazines the ''Ann Arbor Argus'' and ''SunDance'', and was a notabl ...

(1949–2008), American journalist and publisher * Kenneth Keith Kelley (1901-1991), American chemist *

Kevin Kelley (boxer) Kevin Philip Kelley (born June 29, 1967) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1988 to 2009, and held the WBC featherweight title from 1993 to 1995. Amateur career Kelley won two New York Golden Gloves Championships as w ...

* Kevin Daniel Kelley, American drummer with The Byrds * Kitty Kelley (born 1942), American journalist and author *

(born 1951), American mystery novelist and dog trainer *

Liam Kelley (historian) Liam Christopher Kelley (born 28 December 1966), or Lê Minh Khải (Traditional Chinese: 黎明凱), is an American Vietnamese studies, Vietnamologist and a professor of Southeast Asian history and lecturer at the Universiti Brunei Darussalam, h ...

(born 1966), American historian specialised in Vietnam *

Mike Kelley (artist) Michael Kelley (October 27, 1954 – January 31, 2012) was an American artist. His work involved found objects, textile banners, drawings, assemblage, collage, performance and video. He often worked collaboratively and had produced proje ...

(1954–2012), American artist * Mike Kelley (baseball) (1875–1955), American baseball player and manager in the minor leagues *

Mike Kelley (American football) Mike or Michael Kelley may refer to: *Mike Kelley (artist) (1954–2012), American artist *Mike Kelley (baseball) (1875–1955), American baseball player and manager *Mike Kelley (American football) (born 1959), American football quarterback *Mike ...

, American football quarterback for San Diego Chargers *

Mikey Kelley Mikey is a masculine given name, often a diminutive form (hypocorism) of Michael. It may also refer to: People * Mikey Ambrose (born 1993), American Major League Soccer player * Mikey Arroyo (born 1969), Filipino actor and politician, son of Phili ...

(born 1973), American voice actor *

Oliver Hudson Kelley Oliver Hudson Kelley (January 7, 1826 – January 20, 1913) was one of the key founders of the National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, a fraternal organization in the United States.William D. Barns, "Oliver Hudson Kelley and the ge ...

(1826–1913) * Paul X. Kelley (1928–2019), 28th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps * Paula Kelley (born 1970), American indie singer-songwriter *

Peter Kelley Peter Kelley (born May 9, 1974) is an Olympic weightlifter for the United States The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North Americ ...

(born 1974), American weightlifter *

Robert Kelley (American football) Robert Kelley (born October 3, 1992), nicknamed "Fat Rob", is a former American football running back. He played college football at Tulane, and was signed by the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent in 2016. Early years Kelley attend ...

(born 1992), American football running back *

Shawn Kelley Shawn Andrew Kelley (born April 26, 1984) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Seattle Mariners from 2009 to 2012, New York Yankees from 2013 to 2014, San Diego Padres in 2015, Was ...

(born 1984), American baseball player *

Sheila Kelley (American actress) Sheila Kelley (born October 9, 1963) is an American actress. She is known for her roles as Gwen Taylor on '' L.A. Law'' as Dr. Charlotte "Charley" Bennett Hayes on ''Sisters'' and as Debbie Wexler on '' The Good Doctor.'' Early life Kelley was ...

, actress, founder of S-Factor, granddaughter of senator Augustine B. Kelley *

Thomas P. Kelley Thomas Patrick Kelley Jr. (6 April 1905 14 February 1982) was a Canadians, Canadian writer notable for two books on the infamous Black Donnellys of Lucan, Ontario. Kelley was born in Hastings, Ontario, the son of Thomas Patrick Kelley Sr. (John ...

(1905–1982), Canadian author *

Trevor Kelley Trevor Michael Kelley (born October 20, 1992) is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay ...

(born 1993), American baseball player *

Vince Kelley Vincent Kelley (born December 5, 1962) is an American former professional basketball player who played collegiately for the Colorado Buffaloes before spending the majority of his professional career in Australia. He began his career in the first- ...

(born 1962), American/Australian basketball player * William Kelley (disambiguation), several people ** William "Pig-Iron" Kelley (1814–1890), Quaker abolitionist, US Congressman from Pennsylvania

As first name

Kelley Abbey Kelley Abbey (born 28 July 1966) is an Australian actress, choreographer, singer and dancer. She has been a leading performer and choreographer in TV, film and musical theatre for more than 20 years. She remains best known for her role on soap ...

(born 1966), Australian actress *

Kelley Armstrong Kelley Armstrong (born 14 December 1968)Bio for school projects Kelley Eckels Currie Kelley Eckels Currie is an American human rights lawyer and former government official who served as the Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues from 2020 to 2021. She previously served as the U.S. Representative to the United Nations Eco ...

, American lawyer and government official *

Kelley Deal Kelley Deal (born June 10, 1961) is an American musician and singer. She has been lead guitarist and co-vocalist of the alternative rock band The Breeders since 1992, and has formed her own side-projects with bands such as R. Ring and The Kelle ...

(born 1961), American musician *

Kelley Hurley Kelley Hurley (born April 4, 1988) is an American épée fencer. She won the bronze medal in the women's team épée event at the 2012 Summer Olympics. A standout at the University of Notre Dame The University of Notre Dame du Lac, known sim ...

(born 1988), American fencer *

Kelley Jakle Kelley Jakle is an American actress and singer-songwriter. She played the role of Jessica Smith in the ''Pitch Perfect'' series (2012–2017) and appeared on the first and second seasons of '' The Sing-Off'' in 2009 and 2010. She is also a me ...

(born 1989), American actress * Kelley Johnson (born 1993), American pageant competitor * Kelley Johnson (footballer) (born 1992), Puerto Rican footballer *

Kelley Jones Kelley Jones (born July 23, 1962) is an American comics artist best known for his work on ''Batman'' with writer Doug Moench and on '' The Sandman'' with writer Neil Gaiman. Early life Kelley Jones was born in Sacramento, California and grew up ...

(born 1962), American comics artist *

Kelley Linck Kelley J. Linck (born November 10, 1963) is a partner, lobbyist and consultant with WSG Consulting, LLC in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was formerly with Mullenix and Associates, LLC in Little Rock and previously served as the chief of legislative ...

(born 1963), American politician *

Kelley Lovelace John Kelley Lovelace is an American songwriter known mainly for his work with country music artist Brad Paisley. He has written several of Paisley's singles, including the number 1 hits "He Didn't Have to Be" (Paisley's first number 1), "The World ...

, American songwriter *

Kelley Earnhardt Miller Kelley King Earnhardt Miller (née Earnhardt; formerly Earnhardt-Elledge; born August 28, 1972) is an American businesswoman. She is the Chief Executive Officer of JR Motorsports which she co-owns with her brother, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and she i ...

(born 1972), American businesswoman *

Kelley O'Hara Kelley Maureen O'Hara (born August 4, 1988) is an American soccer player, two-time FIFA Women's World Cup champion, and Olympic gold medalist. She currently plays as a defender for the Gotham FC in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) ...

(born 1988), American soccer player *

Kelley Paul Kelley Ashby Paul (born September 3, 1963) is an American political consultant and freelance writer. She has worked as a consultant for The Strategy Group for Media, and she published a book titled ''True and Constant Friends'' in April 2015. Her ...

(born 1963), American politician *

Kelley Puckett Kelley Puckett is a comic book writer. He is notable for having co-created DC Comics characters Cassandra Cain and Connor Hawke. Bibliography DC Comics * '' Batgirl'' #1-19, 21–25, 27–29, 33-37 * '' The Batman and Robin Adventures'' #24 ** ...

, American comic book writer * Kelley Stoltz (born 1971), American musician *

Kelley Washington James Kelley Washington (born August 21, 1979) is a former American Football wide receiver and special teamer. He was drafted 65th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tennesse ...

(born 1979), American football player

Fictional Characters

*Kurt Kelly, a character from the 1988 black comedy ''

Heathers ''Heathers'' is a 1989 American black comedy film written by Daniel Waters and directed by Michael Lehmann, in both of their respective film debuts. The film stars Winona Ryder, Christian Slater, Shannen Doherty, Lisanne Falk, Kim Walker, and ...

'', and its

musical Musical is the adjective of music. Musical may also refer to: * Musical theatre, a performance art that combines songs, spoken dialogue, acting and dance * Musical film and television, a genre of film and television that incorporates into the narr ...

and TV adaptations

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kelly Anglicised Irish-language surnames Gaelic-language surnames Cornish-language surnames English-language surnames Irish families Patronymic surnames Surnames of Irish origin Toponymic surnames