Kelechi, of Nigerian origin, is an engaging and distinctive given name. It is derived from the Igbo language, one of the major languages spoken in Nigeria. In Igbo, 'Kele' means 'to bring forth' or 'to have', while 'Chi' signifies 'God'. Thus, Kelechi translates to 'What God has brought forth' or 'What God has given'. This name is often used for both boys and girls, adding to its versatility. Its unique pronunciation /ˈkɛlɛtʃi/ and spelling contribute to its distinctiveness. In recent years, Kelechi has gained international recognition due to notable individuals bearing the name, such as Nigerian footballer Kelechi Iheanacho.
The name Kelechi experienced varying popularity over the decades. It started with a low of 6 births in 1979, peaked at 24 births in both 2002 and 2005, and has since fluctuated between 7 to 18 births annually up until 2023.