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Home › Baby Names Directory › Kerin

Kerin

♂ Boy

Pronounced KEH-rin /ˈkɛr.ɪn/Medium

Meaning: Most likely a spelling of Kieran, from Irish Ciaran — a diminutive of ciar, 'dark; black' — hence 'little dark-haired one', borne by early Irish saints. Kerin is also an Irish surname. The route for this exact spelling is uncertain, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: An Irish name in a trim spelling: Kerin echoes Ciaran, 'little dark one' (said 'KEH-rin'). Routes uncertain, which we note.
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Origin LowIrish, English
MeaningMost likely a spelling of Kieran, from Irish Ciaran — a diminutive of ciar, 'dark; black' — hence 'little dark-haired one', borne by early Irish saints. Kerin is also an Irish surname. The route for this exact spelling is uncertain, which we note.
U.S. rank (2024)#13268 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1957
Total births (all-time)≈ 272

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 195719542024

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Kerin sits in the family of Ciarán / Kieran, from Irish ciar, 'dark', with a diminutive ending — 'little dark-haired one'. Kerin is likewise an Irish surname. Which road a family takes is not clear from the spelling, so we note the routes as uncertain (said 'KEH-rin').

It appears only rarely for boys in the U.S. Rare, Irish-rooted, and trim.

Did you know? Ciaran, the name behind Kerin, means 'little dark one' and belonged to several beloved early Irish saints. The Kerin spelling is also an Irish surname; the routes are uncertain, which we note.
Overall data confidence 42%
References — Kerin — Kieran/Ciaran family; also an Irish surname; routes uncertain

Variations

KieranCiaranKeiran

Nicknames

KerKai

Famous Bearers

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If you like Kerin…

Kieran— the standard form of the same name
Ciaran— the Irish original behind it
Keiran— a close cousin in sound
Kevin— a like Irish classic

Explore names like Kerin

By themeuncertainirishsurname-styletrim

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Kerin mean?

Kerin belongs to the Kieran family, from Irish Ciaran, 'little dark one'; it is also an Irish surname. The routes are uncertain, which we note.

How do you pronounce Kerin?

It's said KEH-rin /ˈkɛr.ɪn/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Kerin a boy or girl name?

Kerin is used here as a boy's name.

How popular is Kerin?

Kerin is a rare name for boys in the U.S.

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