Kelsey is a unisex given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname "O'Caoileain," which means "descendant of Caoilfhionn." Caoilfhionn was a legendary Irish warrior queen who ruled in the 4th century AD. The name has been used as both a male and female given name since the Middle Ages, but it is now more commonly used for girls in the English-speaking world.
The name Kelsey first appeared in the United States during the mid-19th century, but its usage did not become widespread until the latter half of the 20th century. Today, Kelsey is considered a modern classic and remains popular among parents looking for a unique yet recognizable name for their child.
Overall, Kelsey is a strong and distinctive name with a rich history rooted in Irish folklore and mythology. Its meaning as "descendant of Caoilfhionn" adds to its appeal, giving it a sense of power and regal heritage. Despite its Irish origins, the name has been embraced by many different cultures around the world and is now considered a truly global name.
The name Kelsey saw a significant rise in popularity from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s, peaking with 9,256 births in 1989 and remaining among the top names for several years afterward. However, its popularity has been declining since then, reaching an all-time low of 443 births in 2023. Overall, there have been a total of 149,638 births with the name Kelsey recorded between 1942 and 2023.