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

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

Notable Bearers

Robert Keely (U.S. diplomat)

People with the Keely Surname

Oakley G. Keely

Lieut.