"dark, dark-featured"
Origin: Old Irish
Language: English
Kerry
Pronunciation: [ k-EHR-ee ]
Does Kerry flow with your last name?
An Irish place name meaning dark, from the Kingdom of Kerry
Irish
English
American
Vintage
Earthy
Classic
Playful
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Meaning & Origin
"the kingdom of Ciar, County Kerry"
Origin: Irish place name
Language: Irish
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Things to Know About This Name
- Kerry is predominantly used as a girls name in modern usage — boy Kerry may face gender ambiguity comments
The Story of Kerry
Kerry derives from the Irish place name Ciarraí (Kingdom of Ciar), named after Ciar, a son of the legendary Fergus mac Róich. The name Ciar comes from the Old Irish ciar meaning dark or dark-featured, possibly referring to the dark complexion of the original tribal king. County Kerry in southwestern Ireland is one of the most scenic and celebrated regions, known for the Ring of Kerry.
Kerry was popular as both a male and female name in Ireland, the US, and UK from the 1950s through 1980s. It has gradually shifted toward feminine use, making it now primarily a girl name in most English-speaking countries, though it remains familiar as a male name in Ireland.
County Kerry holds a special place in the Irish imagination — home to the Dingle Peninsula, the Skellig Islands (used as a Star Wars location), and some of Ireland most dramatic landscapes. The name evokes Irish heritage and Celtic roots.
Historical Record
Kerry first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 45,228 babies have been named Kerry in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Kerry is past its peak , currently ranked #2,690 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The Skellig Michael island in Kerry was used as Luke Skywalker island in Star Wars: The Force Awakens
- Kerry County Council in Ireland holds an annual parade celebrating the name Kerry
Kerry in Other Languages
Irish
Ciarraí
Gaelic
Ciar
Popularity Over Time
#2,690
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1960
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Kerry
K
Kerry Washington
Actor
1977
American actress known for Scandal, Django Unchained, and her advocacy work
J
John Kerry
Politician
1943
American politician who served as US Secretary of State (2013-2017) and Special Presidential Envoy for Climate
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Compare Kerry with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,690
- Total SSA Count
- 49
- Cultural Origins
- Irish English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Ker
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, Irish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Kerry
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Kerry is also used as a girl name, ranked #17062.
View Kerry as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Irish)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kerry
What does the name Kerry mean?
"dark, dark-featured" (from Old Irish). "the kingdom of Ciar, County Kerry" (from Irish place name). Kerry derives from the Irish place name Ciarraí (Kingdom of Ciar), named after Ciar, a son of the legendary Fergus mac Róich. The name Ciar comes from the Old Irish ciar meaning dark or dark-featured, possibly referring to the dark complexion of the original tribal king. County Kerry in southwestern Ireland is one of the most scenic and celebrated regions, known for the Ring of Kerry.
What is the origin of the name Kerry?
Kerry has Old Irish, Irish place name, Irish, English, and American origins. In Old Irish, it means "dark, dark-featured". In Irish place name, it means "the kingdom of Ciar, County Kerry".
Is Kerry a boy or girl name?
Kerry is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #2690. As a girl name, it is ranked #17062. Kerry is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Kerry?
Kerry is pronounced k-EHR-ee.
How popular is the name Kerry?
Kerry is currently ranked #2690 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Kerry?
Common nicknames for Kerry include Ker.
What are good middle names for Kerry?
Popular middle name pairings include Kerry James, Kerry Michael, Kerry Patrick, Kerry Sean, Kerry Thomas, and Kerry Lee.
What are good sibling names for Kerry?
Names that pair well with Kerry as siblings include Dermot, Brigid, Siobhan, Cormac, Aoife, and Shannon.
How many syllables does Kerry have?
Kerry has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Kerry a common or rare name?
Kerry is an uncommon name, ranked #2690 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Kerry
Kerry is a boy name with Irish, English, and American origins . The name means "dark, dark-featured" in Old Irish .
Is Kerry a boy or girl name? Kerry is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #2,690 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #17,062. Kerry is more commonly used as a boy name.
Kerry is currently ranked #2,690 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Kerry has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-EHR-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Kerry include Ker. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis