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Clan Kelly
Turris Fortis Mihi Deus
MacCeallaich
K
Clan Kelly
Clan Story
The Kelly Legacy
Kelly as a Scottish 'clan' name is of uncertain and disputed origin. Some sources trace it to the Irish Ó Ceallaigh, the O'Kellys of Uí Maine in Connacht, while others connect the Scottish name to places such as the lands of Kelly near Arbroath in Angus, Kellie in Fife, or Kelloe in Berwickshire, with early record-holders such as William de Kellaw, a bailiff under Alexander III in 1278, and John de Kelly, Abbot of Arbroath in the 1370s. A distinct Galloway and Wigtownshire family, the Mackellies, is also recorded; the Earldom of Kellie, by contrast, was a Fife title created in 1619 for Sir Thomas Erskine. Given this mixed ancestry, Kelly in a Scottish heritage context is best treated as a name without one agreed origin, and no chief is recognized by the Lord Lyon today.
Kelly is documented in Scotland as both a place-name and surname, distinct from its much more common Irish origin (from O Ceallaigh). Scottish antiquarian Alexander Nisbet recorded arms for 'Kelly of that Ilk' - or, a saltire sable between four fleurs-de-lis azure - the main heraldic evidence for an independent Kelly family in Scotland. Possible territorial roots include Kelloe in Berwickshire and Kellie in Fife and Angus, where a John de Kelly served as Abbot of Arbroath in 1373; early charter references include William de Kellaw, bailiff to Alexander III in 1278, and Richard de Kellow, recorded in Roxburghshire in 1338. In Galloway and Wigtownshire, the name is separately associated with families of Celtic descent linked to the Earldom of Kellie under Clan Erskine, and another tradition ties a Kelly family to Sleat on the Isle of Skye in connection with Clan MacDonald. No chief has ever been recognised by the Court of the Lord Lyon for Kelly, making it an armigerous name with a fragmentary and, in places, disputed historical record.
Clan Facts
Clan ChiefNo Lord Lyon-recognized chief exists for Kelly. Sources raise doubt as to whether Kelly represents a distinct historic Scottish clan at all: the associated Gaelic form, Ó Ceallaigh, is linked to the Irish Uí Maine dynasty of Connacht rather than to a native Scottish Gaelic clan, and no verifiable independent Scottish clan history or chief was found.
Curated Selection
Kelly Tartan
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Personalized Clan Kelly Dress Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration QR87
Personalized Clan Kelly Dress Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree DecorationCelebrate your Scottish heritage with this unique wood & acrylic tartan ornament. Perfect as a personalized Christmas decoration or a meaningful gift for friends and relatives on special occasions such...
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Bagpiper Ornament
Kelly · Dress
Clan Kelly Dress Tartan Flat Cap - Clan Kelly Dress Tartan
Clan Kelly Dress Tartan Flat CapElevate Your Heritage: The Authentic Tartan Jeff Cap Step into a legacy of timeless style and comfort with our Authentic Tartan Flat Cap. Crafted for the discerning American who cherishes their Scottish roots and appreciates classic elegance, this isn’t just...
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Clan Kelly Dress Tartan
Tartan Cap
Kelly · Dress Tartan
Clan Kelly Dress Tartan Christmas Tree Skirt - Kelly Dress Tartan
Clan Kelly Dress Tartan Christmas Tree Skirt Product detail: 100% polyester tricot fabric, thick and durable. Suitable for not only Christmas but also the whole winter. Velcro closure and center hole allows for easy installment and removal. One-side Printing Machine washable on cold cycle...
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Kelly Dress Tartan
Clan Kelly Dress Tartan Christmas Tree Skirt
Kelly · Dress Tartan
Clan Kelly Dress Tartan Bomber Jacket - Kelly Dress Tartan
Kelly Dress Tartan Clan Bomber Jacket Details: Our Bomber Jackets are made of 95% polyester and 5% spandex, and they keep you comfortable, cool, and dry while you work and play. Bomber Jackets with high-tech graphic prints, vibrant designs, and colors look modern and...
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Kelly Dress Tartan
Tartan Jacket
Kelly · Dress Tartan
Clan Kelly Dress Tartan Bow Tie - Kelly Dress Tartan Clan
Kelly Dress Tartan Clan Bow Tie Product detail: Unique item with your custom design can be worn on various occasions, such as weddings,'anniversaries, and birthday parties. 100% polyester satin, silky and durable. Adjustable neckband fits neck sizes 11.5' to 20' Flat measurement without knot:...
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Kelly Dress Tartan Clan
Tartan Bow Tie
Kelly
Custom Bagpipe Kelly Dress Tartan LED Night Light - Personalized Scottish Bagpiper Figurine with Wooden Stand
Custom Bagpipe Kelly Dress Tartan LED Night Light - Personalized Scottish Bagpiper Figurine with Wooden StandCreate a warm, relaxing, and magical atmosphere with our Personalized LED Night Light. Designed to elevate your bedroom, living room, or workspace, this custom acrylic lamp features a smooth color-changing...
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LED Night Light
Kelly · Dress
Personalized Clan Kelly Dress Tartan Drummer Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration
Personalized Clan Kelly Dress Tartan Drummer Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree DecorationCelebrate your Scottish heritage with this unique wood & acrylic tartan ornament. Perfect as a personalized Christmas decoration or a meaningful gift for friends and relatives on special occasions such...
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Drummer Ornament
Kelly · Dress
Custom Name Clan Kelly Dress Tartan Garden Flag with Clan Crest and the Golden Sword of Courageous Legacy - Kelly Dress
Custom Name Clan Kelly Dress Tartan Garden Flag with Clan Crest and the Golden Sword of Courageous Legacy Immerse your space in the rich heritage of Scotland with our Tartan Garden Flags, exclusively from Tartan Today. Featuring vibrant tartan and Scottish heritage designs, these garden...
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Kelly Dress
Tartan Flag
Kelly · Dress
Kelly of Sleat Tartan
View All KELLY OF SLEAT TARTAN
Clan Kelly Of Sleat Hunting Tartan Bow Tie - Kelly Of Sleat Hunting Tartan Clan
Kelly Of Sleat Hunting Tartan Clan Bow Tie Product detail: Unique item with your custom design can be worn on various occasions, such as weddings,'anniversaries, and birthday parties. 100% polyester satin, silky and durable. Adjustable neckband fits neck sizes 11.5' to 20' Flat measurement...
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Kelly Of Sleat Hunting Tartan Clan
Tartan Bow Tie
Kelly of Sleat
Personalized Clan Kelly of Sleat Red Reproduction Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration
Personalized Clan Kelly of Sleat Red Reproduction Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree DecorationCelebrate your Scottish heritage with this unique wood & acrylic tartan ornament. Perfect as a personalized Christmas decoration or a meaningful gift for friends and relatives on...
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Bagpiper Ornament
Kelly of Sleat · Red Reproduction
Clan Kelly of Sleat Hunting Tartan Polo Shirt - Royal Coat Of Arms Style - Kelly of Sleat Hunting Tartan
Clan Kelly of Sleat Hunting Tartan Polo Shirt - Royal Coat Of Arms Style Description: Crafted in 100% polyester with your own design which combines comfort and vogue. This shirt has some'great features, it has 3 buttons, elastic collar and cuffs. 12.35 Oz. Made...
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Kelly of Sleat Hunting Tartan
Clan Kelly of Sleat Hunting Tartan Polo Shirt - Royal Coat Of Arms Style
Kelly of Sleat · Hunting
Personalized Clan Kelly of Sleat Red Modern Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration
Personalized Clan Kelly of Sleat Red Modern Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree DecorationCelebrate your Scottish heritage with this unique wood & acrylic tartan ornament. Perfect as a personalized Christmas decoration or a meaningful gift for friends and relatives on...
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Bagpiper Ornament
Kelly of Sleat · Red Modern
Clan Kelly of Sleat Hunting Tartan Polo Shirt - Lion Rampant And Celtic Thistle Style - Kelly of Sleat Hunting Tartan
Clan Kelly of Sleat Hunting Tartan Polo Shirt - Lion Rampant And Celtic Thistle Style Description: Crafted in 100% polyester with your own design which combines comfort and vogue. This shirt has some'great features, it has 3 buttons, elastic collar and cuffs. 12.35 Oz....
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Kelly of Sleat Hunting Tartan
Clan Kelly of Sleat Hunting Tartan Polo Shirt - Lion Rampant And Celtic Thistle Style
Kelly of Sleat · Hunting
Discover the Full Kelly Collection
Personalised gifts, apparel and heritage decor for Clan Kelly.
View all Kelly productsClan Kelly: Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about the clan, its tartans and gifts.
What is the Clan Kelly motto?
The Clan Kelly motto is “Turris Fortis Mihi Deus”.
What is the Gaelic name of Clan Kelly?
In Gaelic, the clan is known as MacCeallaich.
What tartans does Clan Kelly have?
Clan Kelly is associated with these tartans:
Where can I find gifts in the Clan Kelly tartan?
Browse products made in the Kelly tartan, or search your surname to find your clan.
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