From Ó Ceallaigh, descendants of Ceallach — among the most numerous names to come out of Connacht.
The Kelly certificate.
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Gaelic Origin · Root name Ceallach
Kelly descends from Ceallach, an early personal name whose own meaning is debated — ‘bright-headed’ and ‘strife’ are both proposed. The Uí Mhaine sept of Ó Ceallaigh ruled a substantial territory straddling Galway and Roscommon for centuries.
Few names better prove that a single Gaelic sept, given time, can become a name shared the length and breadth of Ireland.
Irish form: Ó Ceallaigh
