Surname Skelly - Meaning and Origin

Skelly: What does the surname Skelly mean?

The last name Skelly is of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name 'O Scealaig', which means 'descendant of the storyteller'. The name Scealaig comes from the word ‘sceal’ meaning 'story'. Thus, the family with this last name would often be known for their abilities in storytelling, oratory, and narration. Today, Skelly is fairly common in Ireland, particularly in the County Clare area, and among the Irish diaspora communities worldwide. In the past, families with the Skelly surname would likely have been chroniclers or bards, playing vital roles in preserving oral histories and genealogies in their communities. Remember this is an occupational surname that tells us about the profession or the role of the initial carrier of the surname within their community.

Skelly: Where does the name Skelly come from?

The surname Skelly is predominately found in the United States, where it has its origins in the Irish names O’Scuiligh and MacScuiligh and also some Scottish names. Today, this surname is common in several states across the U.S., with the most concentrated population being in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and California. Colorado, Florida, Illinois, and Arizona are also home to many Skelly families.

Originally known as a Scots-Irish family, the Skelly clan is believed to have originally settled in America in the 1600s, with many of them coming to the Mid-Atlantic region in the 1700s and then relocating westward in the 1800s.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Skelly family name is the 422nd most common name in the United States. The surname is also the 504th most frequently used last name in the world.

The Skelly family name is commonly associated with success and prosperity, and several notable Americans have carried this name, including actor Jack Skelly, baseball player Terence Skelly, and film producer Jack Skelly Jr.

As is the case with many European-origin surnames, the Skelly name is no longer quite as common as it once was. That being said, those who carry the Skelly last name can still find a robust community of other Skelly family members throughout the U.S. and around the world.

Variations of the surname Skelly

Skelly is an Irish surname of Gaelic origin, spelled in multiple ways. The most common variants include Skelly, O'Skelly, Skelly, O'Skelly, and MacSkelly.

Skelly is an Anglicization of the Irish name O’Scealai and O’Scolaidhe. This name is derived from the Irish term ‘scealai,’ which means ‘storyteller’ or ‘gossip,’ and ‘scolaidhe,’ which means ‘scholar.’ It is also believed that the name is derived from the Irish term ‘scallach,’ which can mean either ‘storyteller’ or ‘bringer of tidings’ and ‘Osceolaidhe,’ which is an adaptation of the Latin ‘ascolides,’ meaning ‘student of knowledge.’

The name has been simplified and adapted in various ways in different countries. In Scotland, the name is often spelled as McKelly, Skeal, Skeie, Skeil, McKinley, or Skelly. In England, Skelly is sometimes spelled Sework, Skely, Skell or Skew.

There are also several derivations of the name Skelly, which include Skelley, O'Skelley, Skelly, Skelly, O'Skelley, MacSkelley, Skeli, Skelly, and Skelley-O'Skelley.

In short, Skelly is an Irish surname derived from the terms 'scealai' and 'scolaidhe,' meaning 'storyteller' and 'scholar' respectively. The name has been simplified and adapted in various forms in different countries, with common spellings including Skelly, McKelly, Skeal, Skeie, Skeil, McKinley, Sework, Skely and Skew. There are also several other derivations of the name, including Skelley, O'Skelley, Skelly, Skelly, O'Skelley, MacSkelley, Skeli, Skelly, and Skelley-O'Skelley.

Famous people with the name Skelly

• David Skelly: American biologist and conservationist.
• William Skelly: American philanthropist, business executive, and politician.
• Edward Skelly: Irish Nationalist politician and solicitor.
• Orland Skelly: American professional golfer.
• Tommy Skelly: American former NASCAR Winston Cup Series driver.
• Emily Skelly: Canadian freestyle skier.
• Gerald Skelly: Canadian politician from Nova Scotia.
• Dean Skelly: American drummer for the band, Reel Big Fish.
• Charles Skelly: British stage actor and singer.
• John Skelly: New Zealand mountain climber and Antarctic explorer.
• August Skelly: German flying ace from WWI.
• John Skelly: former British flat racing jockey.
• Carleton Skelly: American baseball player.
• Reverend Terence Skelly: Irish priest and former president of St. Patricks College in Maynooth.
• Geoffrey Skelly: Australian botanist and ecologist.
• Aiden Skelly: Irish Gaelic footballer.
• Mick Skelly: former Irish soccer player and manager.
• Morgan Skelly: Canadian reality TV star in the show "Real Housewives of Vancouver".
• Peter Skelly: American television producer and director.
• William Skelly: American politician, businessman, and philanthropist, from Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Other surnames

Skellie