Clan Kelly facts for kids
Clan Kelly is a Scottish clan. Unlike many other clans, Clan Kelly does not have a recognized chief today. This means it is not officially recognized by the Lord Lyon King of Arms, who is the expert in Scotland for coats of arms and clans.
Clan Kelly is known as an "armigerous clan." This term means that, at some point in history, the clan likely had a chief who held a special, unique coat of arms. However, no one currently holds that position or uses that specific coat of arms. The main historical evidence for Clan Kelly comes from a writer named Alexander Nisbet. He described their coat of arms as having a gold background, a black "X" shape (called a saltire), and four blue lily symbols (known as fleurs-de-lis).
Contents
Where Does the Kelly Name Come From?
The surname Kelly has several different origins. It can come from England, Ireland, or Scotland. In Scotland, the clan name might be linked to Kelloe, a place in Berwickshire. There are also places named Kelloe in Durham and Northumberland in England.
Early Mentions of the Name
One of the first people recorded with a similar name in Scotland was William de Kellaw. He worked for King Alexander III in 1278. Another person, Richard de Kellow, was mentioned in 1338 in Roxburghshire. The name is also found in Fife and Angus, linked to places like Kellie Castle. In 1378, a man named John de Kelly was the Abbot (a leader of a monastery) at Arbroath Abbey.
The Mackellies of Galloway
Another group of people with a similar name are the Mackellies. They lived in Galloway and Wigtownshire in Scotland. These families were likely of "Celtic" origin, meaning they came from the ancient people of Scotland and Ireland.
See also
- Kelly (surname), for more information about the different origins of the surname.
