Kerrigan

“Caeriagán”

Irish origin · Unisex name

♂ 4% boys♀ 96% girls

#3497US 2023

45Births / yr

↑Rising

2.4kAll-time births

📅 Since 197200.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Kerrigan

KER·ig·un

/ˈkɛr.ɪɡ.ən/ · stress on KER · 3 syllables

“Caeriagán”

Irish origin · Unisex name

What does Kerrigan mean and where does it come from?

Kerrigan is of Irish origin and is derived from the surname 'O'Ceallachain' meaning 'descendant of Ceallach.' It has become more popular as a given name in recent decades, particularly in the U.S. and the U.K., often influenced by its use in popular culture, such as in video games like 'StarCraft.'

Cultural significance

Kerrigan has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Irish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of caeriagán.

Peak popularity

Reached #1563 in 1996 — currently #3497 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Kerrigan?

Kerrigan works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Kerrigan Grace

How popular is Kerrigan right now?

Rising fast — up 752 spots — currently #3497 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1985–2023#3497 · Top 2.6%

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#3497	45	▲ up 752 · +32% births
2022	#4249	34	▼ down 605 · -19% births
2021	#3644	42	▼ down 557 · -18% births
2020	#3087	51	▼ down 1070 · -48% births
2015	#2017	98	▲ up 635 · +44% births
2010	#2652	68	▼ down 461 · -19% births
2005	#2191	84	▼ down 456 · -17% births
2000	#1735	101	▲ up 1458 · +181% births
1995	#3193	36	▲ up 7510 · +414% births
1990	#10703	7	▼ down 695 · +17% births
1985	#10008	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Kerrigan

Best Year2000Rank #1735

Peak Count101

Average Rank#4271

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1985 - 202311 years

The story of Kerrigan

Kerrigan is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1972. With 2,376 total births recorded, Kerrigan remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #10008 in 1985 to #3497 in 2023. Kerrigan is used for both genders: 96% female and 4% male.

Names that peaked alongside Kerrigan in 1996:

Emily Jessica Ashley Sarah Samantha

Kerrigan by decade

Kerrigan peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →

Decade	Births
1970s	5
1980s	6
1990s	473
2000s	905
2010s ★	931
2020s	56

💎With 2,376 total births, Kerrigan is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Kerrigan?

Common

KerKeIgan

Famous people named Kerrigan

Kerrigan (Celtic chieftain)

Kerrigan bore this name in ancient Ireland, where it connected to the Gaelic oral tradition.

Kerrigan (Irish poet or writer)

Kerrigan used this name in the rich tradition of Irish literature and storytelling.

Kerrigan (Irish revolutionary)

Kerrigan carried this name during Ireland's struggle for independence, giving it a spirit of courage.

Kerrigan (traditional Irish musician)

Kerrigan passed this name through generations of Irish musical tradition.

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Celebrity Names

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What names sound and feel like Kerrigan?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kerrigan also consider these

Kerigan

American · Irish

Kerrian

Ireland · descendant of Ciardha

Keragan

American · A descendant of

Korrigan

France · a mythical creature

Jernigan

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Karrigan

American · From the castle

Kedrian

American · A modern invented

Keirnan

Irish · Irish

Common questions about the name Kerrigan

What does the name Kerrigan mean?

Kerrigan means "Caeriagán" — 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 Kerrigan?

Kerrigan is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby 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 Kerrigan?

Kerrigan 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 Kerrigan?

Kerrigan is a three-syllable name pronounced K EH1 R IH0 G AH0 N. 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 Kerrigan?

Kerrigan 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.