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Kerrigan

♀ Girl

Kerrigan Pronunciation

Kerrigan is pronounced KAIR-ih-gən /ˈkɛr.ɪ.ɡən/High

Meaning: From Irish Ó Ciaragáin — from ciar, 'dark, black' — 'descendant of the little dark one'Medium

In 30 seconds: Spirited and Celtic: Kerrigan is an Irish surname-name — 'little dark one' — with a bouncy, modern lilt. Bright energy, deep roots.

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Origin MediumIrish

MeaningFrom Irish Ó Ciaragáin — from ciar, 'dark, black' — 'descendant of the little dark one'

U.S. rank (2024)#4069 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births36 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2012

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,430

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Kerrigan is from the Irish surname Ó Ciaragáin — from ciar, 'dark, black' — 'descendant of the little dark one'. It joins the spirited Irish-surname-as-first-name trend for girls.

It registers thinly in records. Rare, little-dark-one at the root, and lively.

Did you know? Kerrigan comes from Irish ciar, 'dark' — the same root as Ciara and Kieran; as a girls' first name it carries a lively, contemporary swing.

Overall data confidence 78%

Behind the Name — Kerrigan — root etymology

Variations

KeriganKerrigann

Nicknames

KerryGan

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Kerrigan…

Kerry— a fellow Irish Ker- name

Ciara— a sister 'dark' name

Reagan— a companion Irish surname-name

Finnegan— another -gan Irish name

→ See all names like Kerrigan

Browse the whole category: All Irish names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Kerrigan?

Kerrigan is pronounced KAIR-ih-gən (/ˈkɛr.ɪ.ɡən/). Press play above to hear Kerrigan said aloud.

How do you say Kerrigan?

Kerrigan is said KAIR-ih-gən (/ˈkɛr.ɪ.ɡən/). Press play above to hear Kerrigan said aloud.

What does the name Kerrigan mean?

Kerrigan is from Irish ciar, 'dark' — 'descendant of the little dark one'.

Is Kerrigan a boy or girl name?

Kerrigan is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a girl's name.

How popular is Kerrigan?

Kerrigan is a rare name in the U.S.