Kerry

Pronunciation: [ k-EHR-ee ]

Boy Name #2,690 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

An Irish place name meaning dark, from the Kingdom of Kerry

Irish English American

Vintage Earthy Classic Playful

Meaning & Origin

"dark, dark-featured"

Origin: Old Irish

Language: English

"the kingdom of Ciar, County Kerry"

Origin: Irish place name

Language: Irish

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.

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

Famous People Named Kerry

Kerry Washington

Actor

1977

American actress known for Scandal, Django Unchained, and her advocacy work

John Kerry

Politician

1943

American politician who served as US Secretary of State (2013-2017) and Special Presidential Envoy for Climate

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

Pairs Well With

Kerry James Kerry Michael Kerry Patrick Kerry Sean Kerry Thomas Kerry Lee

Sibling Names

Dermot Brigid Siobhan Cormac Aoife Shannon

Also a Girl Name

Kerry is also used as a girl name, ranked #17062.

View Kerry as a girl name →

Similar Names

Harry Jerry Perry Larry Gary Perry Barry Kari

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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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.