Kelsey Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated July 9, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Kelsey Name Meaning

Fact: Kelsey is also a term used to refer to Cenel’s island, a beautiful village coming from Lincolnshire of England.

Continue Reading…
A Deep Dive

Kelsey Overview

Meaning

Ship’s victory

Gender

Girl, Gender-neutral

Origin

Old English

Etymology

Derived from the Old English name Ceolsige, meaning “ship’s victory”​.

Religion

Christianity

Pronunciation

/ˈkɛlsi/

Popularity

Kelsey was among the top 50 names for girls in the USA during the 1990s and remains well-liked in countries like England and Wales. In 2023, Kelsey ranked #662 for girls in the USA​.

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

6 letters

Numerology

5 (Visionary, Expansive, Adventurous)

Name Styles

Modern, Cool, Cute, Uncommon

Associated Traits

Creative, dependable, intelligent, friendly

Name Day

March 7th
A Deep Dive

Kelsey Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Kelsie, Kelcie, Kelcy, Kelsee, Kelsy, Kelsi, Kelcey, Kelcee, Kelseigh, Kelci

Common Nicknames

Kel, Kels, Kelsie, Kay, Elsie, Kelsy, K, Kiki, Sea, Cee

Diminutives

Kel, Kels, Kay, Elsie, Kiki

Famous People

  • Kelsey Grammer
    (American TV Actor)
  • Kelsey Plum
    (American Basketball Player)
  • Kelsey Merritt
    (Filipino-American Model)
  • Kelsey Asbille
    (American TV Actress)
  • Kelsey Scott
    (American Actress)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Kelsey Peters
    ("Younger," TV Series)
  • Kelsey Pokoly
    ("Craig of the Creek," TV Series)
  • Kelsey Hayes
    ("Tiger's Curse," Book Series)

Places

  • North Kelsey Village
    (Lincolnshire, England)
  • South Kelsey Village
    (Lincolnshire, England)

What Is the Meaning of Kelsey?

Kelsey means “ship’s victory,” reflecting a sense of adventure and a connection to the sea. Individuals named Kelsey often have a spirited and curious personality, eager to explore new horizons.

What Is the Origin of The Name Kelsey?

Kelsey has English origins, derived from an Old English place name meaning “Ceol’s island” or “island of ships.” It combines the Old English elements “ceol,” meaning “ship,” and “eg,” meaning “island.”

Kelsey Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Kelsey in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#6212021#6302022#6622023
Top 3 Rankings#231992#241993#261991

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Kelsey

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
2023662
(-32 from 2022)
443
(-23 from 2022)
0.02533
2022630
(-9 from 2021)
466
(-11 from 2021)
0.02599
2021621
(-93 from 2020)
477
(-93 from 2020)
0.02662
2020528
(-58 from 2019)
570
(-94 from 2019)
0.03225
2019470
(-49 from 2018)
664
(-75 from 2018)
0.03619
2018421
(-24 from 2017)
739
(-48 from 2017)
0.03974
2017397
(-14 from 2016)
787
(-71 from 2016)
0.04166
2016383
(-40 from 2015)
858
(-97 from 2015)
0.04432
2015343
(-15 from 2014)
955
(-62 from 2014)
0.04895
2014328
(-24 from 2013)
1017
(-32 from 2013)
0.05199
2013304
(-37 from 2012)
1049
(-164 from 2012)
0.05442
2012267
(-13 from 2011)
1213
(-53 from 2011)
0.06254
2011254
(-21 from 2010)
1266
(-83 from 2010)
0.06534
2010233
(-21 from 2009)
1349
(-172 from 2009)
0.06880
2009212
(-17 from 2008)
1521
(-195 from 2008)
0.07511
2008195
(+6 from 2007)
1716
(+17 from 2007)
0.08239
2007201
(-16 from 2006)
1699
(-199 from 2006)
0.08027
2006185
(-12 from 2005)
1898
(-62 from 2005)
0.09079
2005173
(-25 from 2004)
1960
(-238 from 2004)
0.09657
2004148
(-18 from 2003)
2198
(-371 from 2003)
0.10893
2003130
(-12 from 2002)
2569
(-314 from 2002)
0.12804
2002118
(-18 from 2001)
2883
(-384 from 2001)
0.14597
2001100
(-12 from 2000)
3267
(-402 from 2000)
0.16492
200088
(-16 from 1999)
3669
(-731 from 1999)
0.18384
199972
(-16 from 1998)
4400
(-1149 from 1998)
0.22601
199856
(+1 from 1997)
5549
(-24 from 1997)
0.28625
199757
(-21 from 1996)
5573
(-2082 from 1996)
0.29190
199636
(-3 from 1995)
7655
(-528 from 1995)
0.39927
199533
(-4 from 1994)
8183
(-1566 from 1994)
0.42585
199429
(-5 from 1993)
9749
(-1630 from 1993)
0.50011
199324
(-1 from 1992)
11379
(-334 from 1992)
0.57716
199223
(+3 from 1991)
11713
(+279 from 1991)
0.58428
199126
(+6 from 1990)
11434
(+1940 from 1990)
0.56230
199032
(-1 from 1989)
9494
(+238 from 1989)
0.46213
198931
(+33 from 1988)
9256
(+3804 from 1988)
0.46462
198864
(+3 from 1987)
5452
(+878 from 1987)
0.28350
198767
(+45 from 1986)
4574
(+2058 from 1986)
0.24405
1986112
(+56 from 1985)
2516
(+816 from 1985)
0.13633
1985168
(+9 from 1984)
1700
(+145 from 1984)
0.09208
1984177
(+47 from 1983)
1555
(+439 from 1983)
0.08623
1983224
(+86 from 1982)
1116
(+325 from 1982)
0.06236
1982310
(+124 from 1981)
791
(+301 from 1981)
0.04360
1981434
(+167 from 1980)
490
(+182 from 1980)
0.02740
1980601
(+136 from 1979)
308
(+86 from 1979)
0.01730
1979737
(+150 from 1978)
222
(+58 from 1978)
0.01288
1978887
(+72 from 1977)
164
(+20 from 1977)
0.00998
1977959
(+96 from 1976)
144
(+28 from 1976)
0.00875
19761055
(+56 from 1975)
116
(+11 from 1975)
0.00738
19751111
(+128 from 1974)
105
(+17 from 1974)
0.00673
19741239
(+74 from 1973)
88
(+11 from 1973)
0.00562
19731313
(+12 from 1972)
77
(+1 from 1972)
0.00495
19721325
(+130 from 1971)
76
(+5 from 1971)
0.00471
19711455
(+373 from 1970)
71
(+23 from 1970)
0.00405
19701828
(+7 from 1969)
48
(+3 from 1969)
0.00262
19691835
(+703 from 1968)
45
(+21 from 1968)
0.00255
19682538
(-459 from 1967)
24
(-8 from 1967)
0.00140
19672079
(+961 from 1966)
32
(+15 from 1966)
0.00186
19663040
(+109 from 1965)
17
(+1 from 1965)
0.00097
19653149
(-323 from 1964)
16
(-4 from 1964)
0.00088
19642826
(-206 from 1963)
20
(-2 from 1963)
0.00102
19632620
(+193 from 1962)
22
(+3 from 1962)
0.00111
19622813
(+145 from 1961)
19
(+1 from 1961)
0.00094
19612958
(+554 from 1960)
18
(+5 from 1960)
0.00087
19603512
(-409 from 1959)
13
(-2 from 1959)
0.00063
19593103
(-726 from 1958)
15
(-8 from 1958)
0.00072
19582377
(+1113 from 1957)
23
(+11 from 1957)
0.00111
19573490
(+4 from 1956)
12
No change from 1956
0.00057
19563494
(-655 from 1955)
12
(-4 from 1955)
0.00058
19552839
(+49 from 1954)
16
(+1 from 1954)
0.00080
19542888
(-372 from 1953)
15
(-3 from 1953)
0.00075
19532516
(+1036 from 1952)
18
(+8 from 1952)
0.00093
19523552
(+162 from 1951)
10
(+1 from 1951)
0.00053
19513714
(-291 from 1950)
9
(-1 from 1950)
0.00049
19503423
(+1250 from 1949)
10
(+4 from 1949)
0.00057
19494673
(-1080 from 1948)
6
(-3 from 1948)
0.00034
19483593
(+414 from 1947)
9
(+1 from 1947)
0.00052
19474007
(-13 from 1946)
8
(+1 from 1946)
0.00044
19463994
(+32 from 1945)
7
(+1 from 1945)
0.00043
19454026
(+595 from 1942)
6
(+1 from 1942)
0.00045
19440
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19430
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19424621
First SSA data recorded
5
First SSA data recorded
0.00036
19410
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19400
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19390
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19380
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19370
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19360
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19350
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19340
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19330
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19320
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19310
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19300
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19290
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19280
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19270
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19260
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19250
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19240
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19230
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19220
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19210
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19200
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19190
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19180
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19170
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19160
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19150
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19140
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19130
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19120
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19110
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19100
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19090
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19080
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19070
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19060
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19050
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19040
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19030
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19020
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19010
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19000
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18990
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18980
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18970
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18960
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18950
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18940
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18930
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18920
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18910
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18900
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18890
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18880
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18870
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18860
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18850
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18840
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18830
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18820
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18810
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18800
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000

American States Popularity Rankings for Kelsey

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#8662021#6802022#7512023

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#6222021#7332022#8022023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#10192021#6392022#7842023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#5692021#6442022#6602023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#5202021#4322022#4672023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#7802021#4592022#9222023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#4052021#3892022#3782023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#5692021#6352022#7052023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#7192021#7732022#8562023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#6592020#11382021#7872023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#3802019#4882020#7992022

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#7282020#8792022#10212023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#7322021#8682022#6342023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#5332021#4622022#5082023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#4282021#5862022#6032023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#8492021#5942022#6112023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#5952021#5322022#3622023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#3752021#6172022#3772023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#6392021#7642022#4322023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#6832019#6852020#6822021

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#6372020#3692022#6262023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#3942021#4512022#9612023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#4922020#4632021#5362023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#5362019#9392020#9592021

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#5742020#5122021#5062023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#7352017#4642019#6042021

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#2622021#8112022#5022023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#4912016#6442017#4742019

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#9822019#5062020#7842021

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#7782021#7442022#7202023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#4672021#3552022#4172023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#3472014#4732015#4682019

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#4332020#4562021#5922022

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#4592018#5312019#6362021

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#2342019#4432020#6062023

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#3872013#2382014#2092015

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#2852013#3422014#4192017

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#1912010#1612012#2112013

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#2172008#1962009#1992019

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#1732012#1762015#2152016

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#1282004#1062005#2022008

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#5202016#4132017#3552019

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#722002#2122003#2382009

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#1742009#1372011#2112013

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#4282015#3962017#3132019

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#2752008#1582009#2242011

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#1872009#2052010#1642011

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#2092013#2162015#2072019

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#602005#1182006#1132008

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#1172004#932005#1012006

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#2462002#2802015#2572019

Popularity Rankings for Kelsey in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#2812015#3832016#4092017

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#3432009#3882011#3172014

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flagNorthern Ireland#3532016#4242019#4182022

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#6612021#4582022#4042023

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#5682020#7392021#9182022

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#7642020#9722021#6772022

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#9492017#9362018#7782019

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Kelsey a Name for Boys or Girls?

Kelsey is typically considered a female name today, though it originated as a unisex name.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Kelsey

Kelsey in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Kelsey Grammer (TV Actor, 1955): An American actor famous for his role as Dr. Frasier Crane on the TV show "Frasier."
  • Kelsey Plum (Basketball Player, 1994): An American professional basketball player known for being the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division I women's basketball.
  • Kelsey Merritt (Model, 1996): A Filipino-American model best known for being the first Filipino to walk in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.
  • Kelsey Asbille (TV Actress, 1991): An American actress known for her roles in "Pair of Kings" and "Yellowstone."
  • Kelsey Scott (Actress, 1976): An American actress, director, and screenwriter recognized for her roles in "12 Years a Slave" and "Fear the Walking Dead."
  • Kelsey Peters ("Younger," 2015 TV Series): A character who works in publishing and navigates the challenges of her professional and personal life.
  • Kelsey Pokoly ("Craig of the Creek," 2018 TV Series): A young adventurer and one of the main characters who loves to explore the creek with her friends.
  • Kelsey Hayes ("Tiger's Curse," 2011 Book Series by Colleen Houck): A protagonist who embarks on a mystical adventure to break a centuries-old curse.
  • North Kelsey Village (Lincolnshire, England): A village in Lincolnshire, notable for its rural charm and historical significance.
  • South Kelsey Village (Lincolnshire, England): A small village in Lincolnshire, recognized for its picturesque landscapes and agricultural heritage.

Similar Names to Kelsey

Sibling Names for Kelsey

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So, is Kelsey the right choice for your daughter? Make sure to tell me more about your name choices in the comment and don’t forget to share the name with others.
Helen Doanna

Helen Doanna

Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

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Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher

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1. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Literature and Journalism
  • Focus: In-depth knowledge of Literature, knowledge and skills to perceive, create literature or work in related fields; Basic knowledge of communications.

2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Education Faculty
  • Focus: Core knowledge of social sciences and humanities – the root for the development of progressive values of education, Multicultural communication in education, Contemporary education in the context of globalization, Learning in the digital technology era, Basic issues of STEAM education, Classroom Management, Special education.

3. Oregon State University, Oregan, US

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Human Development and Family Sciences – Child Development
  • Focus: Different stages of development, from infancy to adulthood; Develop a strong foundation for a career in early childhood programs or classrooms; Learn strategies for supporting young children’s development in early childhood settings.
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Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.

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