What does the surname Keely mean?

The surname Keely means "Descendant of Caolaidh, meaning 'slender' or 'narrow'.". It is of Irish origin.

How common is the Keely surname?

There are approximately 8,500 people with the surname Keely in the United States.

Are there Keely soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 173 soldiers with the Keely surname appear in Civil War records.

Keely

Patronymic

Meaning

Descendant of Caolaidh, meaning 'slender' or 'narrow'.

Etymology

The surname derives from the Irish Ó Caolaidh, with Keely being a shortened anglicized form. The root caol refers to slenderness or narrowness in Irish.

About the Keely Surname

A variant spelling of Keeley, representing a more concise anglicization of the Irish original. The name maintains the same etymological roots as its longer counterpart.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 8,500 bearers in the United States #1,214 most common surname

Rare Common

Found in Ireland and among Irish diaspora, particularly in North America.

Keely Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

People with the Keely Surname

Oakley G. Keely

Lieut.

Quick Facts

Origin: Irish
Classification: Patronymic
Earliest Record: 17th century
Estimated Bearers: 8,500

War Records

173 soldiers with the Keely surname found in Civil War records.

Search war records →