KELLY SURNAME Origins, History and People

The Kelly name is one of the most widely recognised Irish surnames in the world-but its history reaches far beyond the familiar name.KELLY SURNAME: Origin, History and People traces the story of Kelly and Ó Ceallaigh from its beginnings in medieval Ireland. It explores the powerful Ó Ceallaigh dynasty of Uí Maine, the learned culture preserved in the Book of Uí Maine, and the different Kelly families that developed across Ireland.The book also follows the spread of the surname abroad and introduces notable Kellys who achieved distinction in politics, religion, literature, art, entertainment, sport and public life.Written in a clear and accessible style, this illustrated history brings together genealogy, Irish history and the lives of remarkable people. It will appeal to Kelly descendants, family historians and anyone interested in the origins and development of Irish surnames.