The girl's name Kelly \k(el)-ly\, also used as boy's name Kelly, is pronounced KEL-ee. It is of Irish and Gaelic origin, and its meaning is "descendant of Ceallach". Transferred use of the surname. Originally an Anglicised form of the ancient Irish Gaelic name Ceallach, possibly meaning "bright-headed", "strife", or "church, monastery". Actresses Kelly McGillis, Kelly Preston, Kelly Ripa.

ORIGIN
Irish

MEANING
Descendant of Ceallach

Transferred use of surname that started out as a boy's name, but is currently more common for girls. Originally an English form of the ancient Irish Gaelic name Ceallach, that debuted on the chart in 1944 and rose to a strong position among the top 100 in 1959. Peaked at No. 10 in 1977, because of fictional character, "Kelly Garrett," played by actress Jaclyn Smith on the 1976 to 1981 television series, "Charlie's Angels." Singer Kelly Clarkson, the 2002 first season winner of "American Idol" also comes to mind. Trendy name with a "y" spelling and long "ee" sound either by itself or combined with other names like Kellyjo or Kelly-Ann.

VARIATIONS
Kelley Keller Kellen Kelson

ALTERNATIVES
Kelle Kellee Kellye Kelli Kellie Kelleigh Kelley

NICKNAMES
Kel

FAMOUS Kellys
Kelly McGillis (actress) Kelly Preston (actress) Kelly Ripa (TV host/actress)

The girl's name Abigail \a-bi-gail\ is pronounced AB-ih-gayl. It is of Hebrew origin, and its meaning is "father of exaltation". Biblical: the name of King David's third wife, described as "good in discretion and beautiful in form". She referred to herself as David's "handmaid", and her name became widely used as a term for a lady's maid. The name first came into use in Britain in the 16th century, under Puritan influence. Abbie, Abbey, and Abby are pet forms; Abegail is the Spanish form. Abigail Adams, wife of President John Adams; advice columnist Abigail Van Buren.

ORIGIN
Hebrew

MEANING
A father's joy

The name of the third wife of King David in the Old Testament who referred to herself as David's "handmaid" which paved the way for its use in literature for a lady's servant. The name has steadily climbed in popularity since the 1940s, breaking into the top 100 in 1989. First lady and wife of former president John Adams is a namesake. Known today as the pen name for advice columnist Abigail Van Buren.

VARIATIONS
Aaron Abel

ALTERNATIVES
Abigayle Abegail Abbigail Abbygael Abigayl Abigale Abigael Abagail

NICKNAMES
Gayle Abby

FAMOUS Abigails
Abigail Breslin (actress)

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