What does Keela mean and where does it come from?
The name Keela, often spelled as 'Cíobh', has Irish origins. It can be an anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic name, meaning 'slender'. The name has gained popularity in English-speaking countries and has a melodic sound that appeals to parents seeking unique names. The name Keela is often associated
Cultural significance
Keela has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Irish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of slender, fair.
Peak popularity
Reached #2420 in 1974 — currently #16373 in the US.
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Related Reading
Irish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Keela?
Keela works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Keela Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Keela Rose
Floral · soft ending
Keela Mae
Sweet · timeless
Keela Claire
French influence · crisp
Keela Jane
Literary · strong
Keela Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Keela right now?
Falling — down 5585 spots — currently #16373 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #16373 | 5 | ▼ down 5585 · -44% births |
| 2022 | #10788 | 9 | ▲ up 2804 · +50% births |
| 2020 | #13592 | 6 | ▼ down 5919 · -60% births |
| 2015 | #7673 | 15 | ▲ up 1145 · +15% births |
| 2010 | #8818 | 13 | ▼ down 820 · -7% births |
| 2005 | #7998 | 14 | ▼ down 1626 |
| 1995 | #6372 | 14 | ▼ down 2901 · -55% births |
| 1990 | #3471 | 31 | ▲ up 572 · +55% births |
| 1985 | #4043 | 20 | ▲ up 577 · +25% births |
| 1980 | #4620 | 16 | ▼ down 1152 · -20% births |
| 1975 | #3468 | 20 | ▼ down 549 · -17% births |
| 1970 | #2919 | 24 | ▲ up 463 · +60% births |
| 1965 | #3382 | 15 | ▼ down 289 · -12% births |
| 1960 | #3093 | 17 | — |
The story of Keela
Keela entered American naming records in 1956 and has been in use for over 68 years. With 1,051 total births recorded, Keela remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3093 in 1960, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #16373 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Keela in 1974:
Keela by decade
Keela peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1950s | 26 | |
| 1960s | 127 | |
| 1970s ★ | 259 | |
| 1980s | 207 | |
| 1990s | 187 | |
| 2000s | 107 | |
| 2010s | 132 | |
| 2020s | 6 | |
💎With 1,051 total births, Keela is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Keela?
Famous people named Keela
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Keela (Irish saint)
Keela helped spread this name across Ireland and Scotland through the early Christian monastic movement.
K(
Keela (Celtic chieftain)
Keela bore this name in ancient Ireland, where it connected to the Gaelic oral tradition.
K(
Keela (Irish saint)
Keela helped spread this name across Ireland and Scotland through the early Christian monastic movement.
K(
Keela (Irish poet or writer)
Keela used this name in the rich tradition of Irish literature and storytelling.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Keela?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Keela also consider these
Common questions about the name Keela
What does the name Keela mean?
Keela means "slender, fair" — a name rooted in Irish tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Keela?
Keela is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Keela?
Keela originates from Irish tradition. Irish names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Keela?
Keela is a three-syllable name pronounced K EH1 EH1 L AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Keela?
Keela pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Irish heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.