Kerry

♀ Girl

Pronounced KEH-ree /ˈkɛr.i/High

Meaning: From County Kerry in Ireland (Irish Ciarrai), 'people of Ciar; the dark-haired ones' (ciar, 'dark; black'). A place and clan name turned given name; unisex, girl-leaning.Low

In 30 seconds: An Irish place-and-clan name: Kerry means 'dark-haired descendants' (said 'KEH-ree'). Breezy, green, and classic.

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Origin MediumIrish

MeaningFrom County Kerry in Ireland (Irish Ciarrai), 'people of Ciar; the dark-haired ones' (ciar, 'dark; black'). A place and clan name turned given name; unisex, girl-leaning.

U.S. rank (2025)#5642 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births22 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1971

Total births (all-time)≈ 48,674

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

Kerry takes its name from County Kerry in Ireland (Irish Ciarrai), rooted in ciar, 'dark; black,' for 'the dark-haired descendants.' A place and clan name turned given name — unisex, girl-leaning, and familiar in the U.S. (said 'KEH-ree').

It appears as a modest classic for girls in the U.S., stronger in past decades. Breezy, Irish, and green.

Did you know? Kerry comes from County Kerry in Ireland (Ciarrai), 'the people of Ciar; the dark-haired ones' — a place and clan name with a breezy, green-hills feel (said 'KEH-ree').

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Kerry — Irish County Kerry / Ciarrai; 'dark-haired descendants'

Variations

KerriKeriKerrie

Nicknames

KerKiki

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Kerry…

Kerri— a spelling cousin

Carrie— a like breezy -rie name

Shannon— a like Irish place-name pick

Colleen— a like Irish girl's name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Kerry mean?

Kerry comes from County Kerry in Ireland (Ciarrai), 'the dark-haired ones; people of Ciar.'

How do you pronounce Kerry?

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

Is Kerry a boy or girl name?

Kerry is unisex; it is used here for a girl.

How popular is Kerry?

Kerry is an uncommon classic for girls in the U.S., stronger in past decades.