Surname Kellett - Meaning and Origin
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Kellett: What does the surname Kellett mean?
The last name Kellett is of English origin and is likely derived from an Ulster-Scots surname. It is believed that the name originates from the Scottish-Irish settlers who came to England in the late 1600s and 1700s.
The original root of the surname is probably derived from the Old English word Cete, meaning 'from the forest' and the Old Norse word Ketill, meaning “cauldron”.
Kellett is also believed to be derived from the same Old English and Gaelic words which make up the modern first name Kelly, meaning ‘descendant of a warrior’ or ‘ceremonial leader’.
Kellett could have emerged as a distinct and separate surname in England in the period of English history known as the Middle Ages, as people adopted surnames to distinguish and identify themselves in a period of population growth.
The 1881 English census data recorded several variant spellings of the Kellett surname including Kettell and Kettel. The variants suggest that the name could have originated in Scotland and the Isle of Man.
Today, the Kellett surname is found in parts of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. People with the Kellett surname tend to have a wide range of professions, including teachers, doctors, nurses, military personnel and business owners.
Order DNA origin analysisKellett: Where does the name Kellett come from?
The last name Kellett is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the United States. In the United Kingdom, the highest concentrations of the surname are in Lancashire, Cheshire, and Yorkshire, all in the north of England. In Ireland, the name Kellett is particularly associated with counties Cavan, Donegal, and Cork. In the United States, the last name Kellett is most common in the states of Wisconsin, Michigan, and California.
Kellett most likely originated in northern England as a locational name derived from the Old English word "cealf" meaning calf. Kellett is chiefly a local variant of the more widespread surname Calf. It also has roots in the ancient Irish name O'Cealleidigh, belonging to the Ui Maine region of Connacht. The Anglicized form of the name was usually Kellett or Calleth.
The name Kellett has also been found in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, and Nigeria among other countries. As a testament to the immigration of settlers in past centuries, the last name Kellett is now found spread across the globe, indicating the global reach of the Kellett family.
Variations of the surname Kellett
The surname Kellett can take on many different spellings and variants, based on the time period and country of origin. Some of the most common forms of the surname Kellett include Kellet, Kellett, Kelletts, Kellettes, Kilsitt, Kelsitt, Kilsit, Kilsetts, and Kelliett, among others. Every country, language, and culture has its own spelling variations, and as a result, many of the international variations of Kellett remain unclear.
In German, the surname may be spelled Kellet, Kelletz, Kellett, Kellitt, Kellitz, Kelsitt, and Kesseltz, among others. Similarly, in Russian, the surname can take the forms Kalit, Kalyat, Kelit, Kelsit, Kelit, Kelitt, or Kelitts, as well as other variations.
In France, Kellett is sometimes spelled as Kellet, Kette, Kelat, Kettes, Kellettes, Keltes, and Kettes, among others. Additionally, in India, Kellett in the form of Kernel sometimes appears.
In Ireland, the surname Kellett is sometimes spelled Quillet, Killett, Quillet, Killet, Killet, Killett, Killety, Kiltey, Kellat, and Kilat, among others.
In England, Scotland, and Wales, the surname Kellett may be spelt as Kellitt, Kellett, Kellett, Kellit, Kellett, Kelsit, Kellitts, Kelletts, and Kelsits, as well as other variations.
In the Netherlands, the surname is commonly spelled as Keil, Kiel, Kiell, Kielle, Kiellets, Kielte, Kelle, Kellets, and Kellitt, among others.
Finally, in Australia, the surname Kellett is sometimes spelt Kellatt, Kattle, Kelat, Klet, Klett, and Kilet, among others.
Famous people with the name Kellett
- Emma Kellett: British children's author known for her work ‘The Tiger Who Came to Tea’.
- Jack Kellett: English actor who is best known for his roles in ‘EastEnders’ and ‘Hancock & Co’
- John Kellett: Irish-American naval commander best known for his command of the CSS Virginia during the American Civil War
- David Kellett: Canadian film director, editor, and screenwriter best known for his work on ‘The Incredible Mr. Limpet’ and ‘Prince of Central Park’
- Richard Kellett: English naturalist who was influential in pioneering the techniques of preserving specimens
- Anna Kellett: Australian women's rights pioneer who founded the Women's Socialist League in 1895
- Ann Kellett: English poet and playwright best known for her work in the civic theatre movement
- Paul Kellett: English musician, composer, and arranger, known for producing hits such as ‘Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me’
- Richard Kellett: Canadian playwright and actor, known for his radio work and plays such as ‘Kill Your Darlings’.
- William Kellett: American silent film actor best known for his roles in ‘The Ten Commandments’ and ‘The Great K & A Train Robbery’.