Kelley

Kelley is a surname of Irish origin, an Anglicized form of Ó Ceallaigh, meaning "descendant of Ceallach." The personal name Ceallach is of uncertain meaning, but is commonly associated with brightness or battle. Kelley is one of several Anglicized spellings of the Gaelic name, with Kelly the most widespread variant; other forms include Kelleher and Kelty. The surname is found among descendants of Irish emigrants who settled in North America, Britain, and Australasia.

As a given name, Kelley has been used, though far less frequently than as a surname. In English-speaking countries, the surname Kelley is widely distributed today, with concentrations in the United States and Ireland.

Culturally and commercially, the name appears in various contexts. Notably, Kelley Blue Book is a vehicle valuation brand founded by Les Kelley, which became a long-standing industry standard for pricing used cars. The name also appears in place names and as part of organization names in North America and elsewhere, reflecting its long-standing presence in English-language naming conventions.