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Kelsey

Girl / Boy name · 1,404 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Kelsey: 1,404 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to both boys and girls, peaking at 92 births in 1998.

Kelsey is a name of Old English origin, derived from the place name Cēoles ēg, meaning "Cēol's island" or "ship island," with "Cēol" itself referring to a ship or a personal name meaning "ship." Though traditionally a surname-turned-first-name, it gained popularity as a given name in the 20th century, particularly for girls. Famous bearers include American actress Kelsey Grammer, known for his iconic role as Frasier Crane, and Kelsey Plum, a celebrated professional basketball player. The name shares its root with the town of Kelsey in Lincolnshire, England. A further note: Kelsey is also used as a unisex name, with its Scottish variant, Kelsie, occasionally appearing in records, reflecting the name's modern, adaptable appeal across the Atlantic.