137 saved#1,623 of 6,224

National Kelly Day

Calling all Kellys! It's time to celebrate your unique name and join in on the fun for National Kelly Day - a day dedicated just for you.

Wednesday

August 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

Have an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATEAugust 26

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYNames

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Mark your calendars for August 26 because it's National Kelly Day - a day dedicated to celebrating all the wonderful people who share the name Kelly! This unique holiday was created as a way to honor and recognize those with this popular name, which has been around since ancient times. From famous athletes and actors to beloved friends and family members, there are countless amazing individuals who proudly bear the name Kelly. So let's take some time to appreciate them and make this day extra special for all the Kellys out there!

TIMELINE

National Kelly Day Timeline

Origins of the Name

The name Kelly is of Irish origin, first appearing as Ceallach, meaning "bright-headed".

Notable Kellys

Grace Kelly, actress and Princess of Monaco, was born in 1929, becoming one of the most famous individuals named Kelly.

Increase in Popularity

The name Kelly saw a significant increase in popularity during the 1950s and 1960s, especially in the United States.

Unisex Name

By the 1980s, Kelly had become a popular unisex name, used by both males and females worldwide.

Kelly in Popular Culture

The popular American TV show "Saved by the Bell" featured a character named Kelly Kapowski, further popularizing the name.

First National Kelly Day

The first National Kelly Day was celebrated, honoring all those who carry the name and their individual contributions.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Kelly Day

Host a Kelly-themed party

Invite all your friends named Kelly and have a party dedicated to celebrating them! Decorate with Kelly-themed decorations and have food and drinks inspired by famous Kellys.

CREATE

Create a Kelly scavenger hunt

Make a list of items that are related to the name Kelly and have your friends compete in a scavenger hunt to see who can find the most items. The winner gets a prize!

SEND

Send cards to your favorite Kellys

Take some time to write heartfelt cards to all the Kellys in your life, letting them know how much they mean to you. This is a great way to show appreciation for the people with this name.

WATCH

Watch movies or TV shows with Kelly characters

Gather some friends and have a movie or TV marathon featuring characters named Kelly. Some suggestions include "Saved by the Bell," "Kelly's Heroes," or "Charlie's Angels."

DONATE

Donate to a charity in honor of Kellys

Research charities that support causes that are important to people with the name Kelly and make a donation in their honor. This is a meaningful way to celebrate National Kelly Day.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Kelly Day

It's an opportunity to connect with other Kellys

Whether it's through social media or in-person gatherings, National Kelly Day is a great way for those with the name to connect and bond with others who share it. It's a day to celebrate our shared identity and build new connections with others who understand what it's like to be a Kelly.

It's a day to celebrate uniqueness

National Kelly Day is a day to honor and appreciate all of the unique individuals who share the name Kelly. Whether it's a first name or a last name, this holiday recognizes the diversity and individuality of those with the name.

Kellys are known for their positivity and strength

Those with the name Kelly are often described as optimistic, strong, and resilient individuals. National Kelly Day is a chance to celebrate these qualities and acknowledge how much they contribute to our communities and society as a whole.