Kelsey

Meaning & Origin

Meaning: Water; From the Kelt

Background: The name Kelsey originates from an Old English surname, derived from the term meaning 'cealc' (meaning 'the wetland') or 'Kelsay,' which was a place name. The name is also linked to an Irish origin, suggesting it's derived from the Gaelic term for 'from the Kelt.'

At a glance

Quick stats based on the history of this name.

Lifetime rank
#264
Total births
155,383
Most popular decade
1990s (259,785 births)
10-year trend
↓ Falling (-340 ranks)
Years in Top 100
15
First recorded year
1891

Gender usage

3.4% male 96.6% female

Stats by gender

Male

First year
1891
First year births
5
First year rank
#963
Peak year
1989
Peak year births
250
Peak rank
#631
Most recent year
2024
Recent year births
7
Recent rank
#9,864

Female

First year
1942
First year births
5
First year rank
#4,621
Peak year
1992
Peak year births
11,713
Peak rank
#23
Most recent year
2024
Recent year births
430
Recent rank
#668

Births over time

Number of babies given this name each year.

Rank over time

Popularity rank by year (1 = most popular).

Related links