Last Name Kiely

Learn more about the origin of the last name Kiely

The meaning and origin of the last name Kiely

The surname Kiely is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name "Ó Cadhlaigh," which means "descendant of Cadhla." The name Cadhla is believed to come from the word "cadhla," meaning "beautiful" or "graceful" in Gaelic. The O' prefix in Irish surnames indicates "grandson," indicating that the original bearer of the name was the grandson of Cadhla or a descendant of someone with that name.

The Kiely family's ancestry can be traced back to County Tipperary in Ireland, and they were part of the Dál gCais sept, which were powerful rulers in Munster. Over time, the Kielys branched out and became established in other areas of Ireland, including County Cork, where they were associated with the town of Bandon. Today, the surname Kiely can be found among the Irish diaspora around the world, particularly in countries with a significant Irish population such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kiely

The surname Kiely is of Irish origin and has a relatively concentrated geographical distribution. It is predominantly found in Ireland, particularly in the southern province of Munster. Counties Cork, Waterford, Limerick, and Tipperary are known to have the highest concentrations of individuals with the Kiely name. The name is closely associated with the ancient kingdom of Munster and is believed to have originated from the Gaelic O Caoilte or Mac Coitir, meaning "slender" or "graceful." Over time, some individuals with the Kiely surname may have dispersed to other regions, primarily due to migration. Therefore, it is not uncommon to find individuals with the name Kiely in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, often representing descendants of Irish immigrants. Despite these diaspora populations, the majority of people with the surname Kiely are still concentrated in their ancestral homeland of Ireland.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kiely

The last name Kiely has several variations and spellings. Common alternatives include Keely, Keeley, Kieley, and Keiley. These variations often occurred due to different phonetic pronunciations or regional dialects. Kiely, with its Irish origins, is the most widely recognized spelling and is often associated with County Waterford in Ireland. Keely is a variation commonly found among Irish Americans, particularly those with roots in County Galway. Keeley is another popular spelling, with a significant presence in England and Scotland. Kieley, on the other hand, is less common but is occasionally found among Irish and Scottish descendants who have anglicized their surnames. Keiley, while less prevalent, is still occasionally used and can be found across various English-speaking countries. Whether spelled Kiely, Keely, Keeley, Kieley, or Keiley, all these variations trace their roots back to the same Irish surname and denote a shared ancestral heritage.

Famous people with the last name Kiely

One of the most well-known individuals with the last name Kiely is Shane Kiely, an esteemed Irish entrepreneur and business magnate. As the founder and CEO of Kiely Family of Companies, Shane has built a vast empire spanning various sectors, including construction, engineering, and transportation. His remarkable leadership skills and strategic vision have led to the company's rapid growth and expansion, making it a prominent player in the industry. Additionally, Shane Kiely's philanthropic endeavors have left a lasting impact on society, as he actively contributes to numerous community initiatives and charitable organizations. Another famous figure with the last name Kiely is Saffron Aldridge Kiely, a famous British fashion model and actress. Saffron rose to prominence in the 1990s as one of the most sought-after faces in the fashion industry, gracing the covers of renowned magazines and working with renowned designers. With her stunning beauty and captivating presence, she has made a significant impact in the world of fashion and entertainment.

Genealogical research on the last name Kiely

The last name Kiely is of Irish origin and has an interesting genealogical history. It is derived from the Gaelic word "caol," meaning slender or slim. The Kiely family name has been predominantly found in the counties of Waterford and Cork in Ireland. Tracing back the Kiely family tree, it can be discovered that they were historically a part of the Munster region in Ireland. The name has variations such as O'Kiely and Kielty, indicating different branches and spellings throughout history. The Kiely clan has been associated with various notable individuals, including scholars, clergy, and leaders. Some prominent kin include John O'Kiely, an Irish poet, and Monica Kiely, an esteemed genealogist. Over time, the Kiely family spread across Ireland and even migrated overseas, particularly to countries like Australia, the United States, and Canada, contributing to their diaspora. This makes Kiely a cherished surname with a rich heritage and a widespread presence in different parts of the world.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kiely"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 June 2025