Surname Kelledy - Meaning and Origin
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Kelledy: What does the surname Kelledy mean?
The last name Kelledy is of Irish origin, derived from "O'Ceallaigh", which is a derivative of the Gaelic name "Ceallach". This phrase means "bright-headed" or "strife", with the nickname "Kelledy" being derived from the Irish phrase "ceallach De". Historically, the surname is believed to have initially originated in the area around County Offaly, where the ruling family bore this surname.
The Kelledys were a clan that were known for their loyalty, and even in times of war, they were known for their courage on the battlefield. It was also believed that they were in possession of a magical plant called the “blackthorn” which could provide healing properties. The Kelledys had great respect for their home with many of them returning there after combat.
The Kelledys were known to be a tight knit family, always looking out for one another. They were known to be generous and caring, wanting the best for their family. They celebrated often due to their faith, the four main holidays being Christmas, Easter, St. Patrick's Day, and All Saints Day.
Today, the Kelledy surname is still prominent in the families of the Republic of Ireland, although many have emigrated to other countries in Europe, the Americas, and Australia. They are still symbolic of the loyalty and courage that were characteristic of their ancestors. From their strength to their bravery, the Kelledys have left over a lasting legacy within the Irish diaspora.
Order DNA origin analysisKelledy: Where does the name Kelledy come from?
The surname Kelledy is of Irish origin and is still commonly found throughout Ireland, particularly in counties Cork, Kerry, Limerick, and Tipperary. Irish records show the name as far back as the 12th century which suggests the family lineage is quite ancient.
The Kelledy surname has also spread to other countries across the world. Variations of the name have been found in the form of Kelly, Kellie, Kelleher, Kildare, and many more. In Scotland, the form Kilty is the predominent spelling. It is also quite common in the United States, especially in Massachusetts and Florida.
The All Ireland Kelledy Clan holds bi-annual reunions, ensuring that people from all parts of the world with this surname remain in touch with each other.
It is not only in its ancestral homeland that the Kelledy name is respected and celebrated. It is believed that the Kelledy family is actually related to the medieval Irish high king, Brian Boru, and there are monuments erected in his honour in numerous countries today.
The popularity of this name proves the significance of its past and its potential for the future. The Kelledy name is certainly still very much alive in the modern day.
Variations of the surname Kelledy
The surname Kelledy is believed to have derived from the Gaelic surname "Ó Cellaigh" which means "descendant of CEALLACH". Variations of this surname include "Ó Ceallaigh", "Kelley", "Cealy", "Celley", and "Celly".
Kelley is the most commonly used variant of the surname in English-speaking countries. This spelling was likely adopted when immigrants with the surname came to English-speaking countries as the spelling was more easily comprehensible to the English. Consequently, it is the most frequently found variant in modern records and databases.
Cealy, Celley, and Celly are thought to have been adapted in response to the difficulty of pronouncing the Ó Ceallaigh form of the surname. Over time, these spellings may often have been altered further or simply adopted in place of the original surname due to pronunciation, spelling errors, and misunderstandings.
As a result of the many variations in spellings available, those researching family history must be prepared to encounter several different spellings of the surname. In addition, people may have dropped the prefix "O" when using the surname due to the unfamiliarity of Irish surnames in certain parts of the world. This means that looking for "Kelledy" and "Kelley" alone may not provide the desired results.
Finally, those with the Kelledy surname should be aware that it is likely they are descended from the same ancestors as those with the surnames "Ó Cellaigh", "Ó Ceallaigh", "Kelley", "Cealy", "Celley", and "Celly".
Famous people with the name Kelledy
- John F. Kennedy: 35th president of the United States
- Robert F. Kennedy: Attorney general and politician
- Ted Kennedy: Politician and US Senator
- Joe Kennedy: Businessman and former US Congressman
- Ethel Kennedy: Widow of Robert F. Kennedy
- Joan Kennedy: Former wife of Ted Kennedy
- Rory Kennedy: Documentary filmmaker
- Patrick Kennedy: Former US Congressman
- Robert Kennedy Jr.: Environmental lawyer and activist
- Kara Kennedy: Media producer and daughter of Ted Kennedy