In the older literature can be found, that at first time Kelmė was mentioned in 1294 or 1295 year, like Kymel or Kimeli in Petras Dusburgietis „Prūsijos žemės kronika“ - so mentioned castle, which destroyed crusaders. But lithuanian chronicle translation editor and commentator Romas Batūra proved, that Kimel was near the Nemunas and it can be present Kaimelio village in Šakių region. According to another version, in 1386 year description of crusaders war path to Lithuania, like location Stabuncaln, Stabekalne, 1395 year Stabekalmen, former present Kelmės districts and could be considered as a first settlement mentioning. The first who connected this settlement with Kelme was Teodoras Hiršas in 1863 year Prussian history source collection.