Kerry
Kerry: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈkɛɹi/
Meaning and origin of Kerry
Root meaning: “descendant of Ciardha”
- A surname from Middle English derived from the place name, or from the Middle English given name Kendrick.
- A male given name transferred from the surname or place name.
- A female given name transferred from the surname or place name, originally of Australian usage, also spelled Keri, Kerri and Kerrie.
Etymology
As an English surname, from a personal name derived from Old Norse Kári. * As an Irish surname, from Ó Ciardha (“descendant of Ciardha”), from ciar (“black”).
How popular is Kerry?
Since 1880, 48,675 girls and 49,969 boys in the U.S. have been named Kerry (49% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #145 in 1971. Its highest rank for boys was #158 in 1960. In 2025, 77 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Names similar to Kerry
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Surname unisex names
Sibling name ideas for Kerry
Sister and brother names that share Kerry's Surname roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Kerry FAQ
What does the name Kerry mean?
Kerry traces back to a root meaning "descendant of Ciardha". A surname from Middle English derived from the place name, or from the Middle English given name Kendrick. A male given name transferred from the surname or place name. A female given name transferred from the surname or place name, originally of Australian usage, also spelled Keri, Kerri and Kerrie. As an English surname, from a personal name derived from Old Norse Kári. * As an Irish surname, from Ó Ciardha (“descendant of Ciardha”), from ciar (“black”).
What is the origin of the name Kerry?
Kerry is listed as a name of Surname (transferred from a surname) origin.
How popular is the name Kerry?
Since 1880, 48,675 girls and 49,969 boys in the U.S. have been named Kerry (49% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #145 in 1971. Its highest rank for boys was #158 in 1960. In 2025, 77 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Kerry a boy or girl name?
Kerry is used for both boys and girls in the U.S. (48,675 girls and 49,969 boys since 1880).
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.