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At its most popular, Kelly was #10 for girls in 1977. Considering how popular Kelly once was, I think it's quite possible that it will make a comeback when the multitudes of women named Kelly become great-grandparents, great-great grandparents and such, which probably won't be in their lifetime. I'm sure there will probably be little girls named after their grandmothers named Kelly, but the name's revival will probably be later than that. It will at least become more popular as a middle name I'd think because a lot of people like to honor their family members.

I know several Kellys. Most are between the ages of 20-30, but I know some that are a little older. The youngest Kelly I know is 3 years old. I think the name is alright but not my favorite (probably because I know so many). I prefer Keely or just Ellie.

Well it is my name so I am very biased. I would love to see a baby or little girl Kelly :)
I do think it is considered dated though and it may be too soon for a comeback. I even said to friends a few weeks ago that it is a "mom" name now since it was popular in the 70's/80's and now most of the Kelly's are having kids.
In addition to myself, I have known about 6 others, all in the age range 25-32. And I have known one male Kelly, same age range.

It seemed at the time that it was very popular. But I haven't checked the stats. I find it very boring for a girl, but I love the idea of using Kelly for a boy. [What do you think of reviving Kerry for a girl?]

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Either way, I'd say there aren't that many Kelly's (male or female) running around the playgrounds anymore it might actually sound fresh.

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I don't really like Kelly, but it's okay. It usually reminds me of Barbie's "sister" Kelly.

I prefer it on girls... but then NFL player Kelly Holcomb made it look alright on men so it's a unisex name that isn't bad. I'm just not the biggest fan. It's due for a comeback regardless within the next 30 to 40 years.

This message was edited 7/25/2011, 8:19 AM

I find it handsome on a boy, and sweet on a girl. I think it could easily make a comeback, it's got the Celtic trend going for it and it has a lot in common sound-wise with some trendier names.

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I know 4 of them, two are 21, one is 20, and the youngest is 12.

In our community, this name is making a comeback, but as a boy's name.

There was always a Kelly or two in every class I was in in the 70s and 80s. Most Kellys now are probably in their 30s; it might make a comeback, but I don't see it happening with a vengeance for another few decades. It's a cute enough name, but I think it's just kind of done.

I've run into so many Kellys, it would be hard for me to guess the number. It was extremely common for my generation. I was curious to see if it was really so popular or if it was just my perspective, and in '77 it was #10 and 1.109% of births. That's more common than Sophia (1.05% of births) was in 2010. So, yeah, it really was common. It seemed like every other girl was Jennifer, Lisa, Melissa, or Kelly when I was in school.

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I think Kelly could make a comeback for little girls someday, when all the Kellys are grandmas or great-grandmas, but right now it's very tired. Today's Kellys are Kennedys, I guess.

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Kelly does have a lot of energy and a friendly sound, but I'd find it easier to appreciate its plucky qualities if I saw it on a boy. It might be wishful thinking on my part, but this is one name that "went to the girls" that I could see making a modest comeback for boys. It would be so cute, so fresh-faced and unexpected, on a boy.

I know at least twenty Kelly's, perhaps more. But they are all aged 25 and over, I'm not sure I know any young Kelly's. I personally prefer it on a boy, but it's a decent name on a girl.

I really like Kelly. I might use it as a middle name and I agree about it looking sweet on a girl. I think it needs a comeback. I know one girl Kelly and one boy Kelly but I like it way more on a girl.