kelli

Kelli is a feminine given name, a variant of Kelly, which itself derives from the Irish surname Ó Ceallaigh, meaning “descendant of Ceallach.” The name is most commonly used in English-speaking countries and is occasionally found as a surname as well.

In modern usage, Kelli has been most popular in the United States and other Anglophone regions since the mid-20th century. Its popularity rose during the 1970s through the 1990s, a period when many girls were given the name in various spellings. Since then, usage has remained steady but less prominent, with the name commonly found alongside related spellings such as Kelly, Kellie, or Kell.

Notable people named Kelli include Kelli Berglund (born 1996), an American actress known for the Disney Channel series Lab Rats; Kelli Giddish (born 1980), an American actress known for Law & Order: SVU; Kelli O’Hara (born 1977), an American actress and soprano with Broadway credits; and Kelli Williams (born 1970), an American actress known for Lie to Me. These figures span acting, vocal performance, and entertainment, reflecting the name’s cross-domain presence.

See also variations of the name, including Kelly, Kelley, and Kel(e)ly, which share the same root origin. The spelling Kelli is one of several distinctive variants used in different regions and families.