What does Kerry mean and where does it come from?
Kerry is of Irish origin, derived from the name 'Ciar', meaning 'black' or 'dark'. The name is also associated with County Kerry in Ireland. It became popular in the United States in the mid-20th century. Notable figures include Kerry Washington, an American actress and producer.
Cultural significance
Kerry has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of descendant of ciar.
Peak popularity
Reached #145 in 1971 — currently #3379 in the US.
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Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Kerry?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Kerry?
Kerry works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Kerry Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Kerry Rose
Floral · soft ending
Kerry Mae
Sweet · timeless
Kerry Claire
French influence · crisp
Kerry Jane
Literary · strong
Kerry Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Kerry right now?
Falling — down 876 spots — currently #3379 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #3379 | 35 | ▼ down 876 · -36% births |
| 2022 | #2503 | 55 | ▲ up 442 · +31% births |
| 2021 | #2945 | 42 | ▲ up 2351 · +83% births |
| 2020 | #5296 | 23 | ▼ down 145 · -12% births |
| 2015 | #5151 | 26 | ▼ down 407 · -13% births |
| 2010 | #4744 | 30 | ▼ down 2487 · -62% births |
| 2005 | #2257 | 80 | ▼ down 1136 · -56% births |
| 2000 | #1121 | 182 | ▼ down 412 · -39% births |
| 1995 | #709 | 296 | ▼ down 263 · -47% births |
| 1990 | #446 | 556 | ▼ down 96 · -17% births |
| 1985 | #350 | 672 | ▼ down 91 · -33% births |
| 1980 | #259 | 1,000 | ▼ down 96 · -40% births |
| 1975 | #163 | 1,678 | ▲ up 13 · -8% births |
| 1970 | #176 | 1,833 | ▲ up 113 · +99% births |
| 1965 | #289 | 921 | — |
The story of Kerry
Kerry entered American naming records in 1920 and has been in use for over 104 years. A total of 98,320 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5653 in 1920 to #3379 in 2023. Kerry is used for both genders: 49% female and 51% male.
Names that peaked alongside Kerry in 1971:
Kerry by decade
Kerry peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1920s | 109 | |
| 1930s | 594 | |
| 1940s | 5,517 | |
| 1950s | 20,851 | |
| 1960s ★ | 27,509 | |
| 1970s | 22,791 | |
| 1980s | 11,995 | |
| 1990s | 5,949 | |
| 2000s | 2,075 | |
| 2010s | 869 | |
| 2020s | 61 | |
What are good nicknames for Kerry?
What names sound and feel like Kerry?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kerry also consider these
Common questions about the name Kerry
What does the name Kerry mean?
Kerry means "Descendant of Ciar" — a name rooted in Ireland 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 Kerry?
Kerry 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 Kerry?
Kerry originates from Ireland tradition. Ireland 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 Kerry?
Kerry is a two-syllable name pronounced K AE1 R IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Kerry a common or rare name?
Kerry is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.