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Home › Baby Names Directory › Kerrigan

Kerrigan

♀ Girl

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 (2025)#4608 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births30 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2012
Total births (all-time)≈ 2,460

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201219722025

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

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

  • ★Kerrigan Mahan (1954-)
    American voice actor and dubbing director known for numerous anime and animated series roles

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

Explore names like Kerrigan

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Kerrigan mean?

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

How do you pronounce Kerrigan?

It's said KAIR-ih-gən /ˈkɛr.ɪ.ɡən/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

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.

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