Kerrigan is a unique and distinctive given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname "Ó Ciaragáin," which means "descendant of Ciaragán." The name Ciaragán comes from an old Gaelic word meaning "speckled" or "piebald," likely referring to a person with a distinctive appearance, such as having mixed hair color.
The history of the surname Kerrigan can be traced back to medieval Ireland. It was originally borne by a sept (clan) that was located in County Galway. The sept was known for its bravery and loyalty, and many members served as chiefs and chieftains throughout Irish history. Over time, the name spread to other parts of Ireland and eventually made its way to other countries around the world through immigration.
While Kerrigan is more commonly found as a surname, it has been used as a given name in recent years. It has gained popularity due to its unique sound and distinctive meaning. However, it remains relatively rare, which makes it an attractive choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child.
In terms of its meaning, Kerrigan is associated with the qualities of being unique, brave, and loyal. These qualities are reflected in the history of the surname and the people who have borne it throughout the generations. While there is no specific association between the name Kerrigan and any particular holidays or cultural traditions, it is a name that carries a rich history and distinctive meaning.
Overall, Kerrigan is an appealing given name choice for parents looking for something unique and meaningful. Its Irish origins and historical significance add to its allure, making it a powerful and memorable name for a child.
The name Kerrigan has been given to babies of both sexes since at least 1972, when there were five births recorded with this name in the United States. However, it was not until the mid-1990s that the name began to gain significant popularity.
In 1994, there were nineteen births with the name Kerrigan, marking a significant increase from previous years. The following year, in 1995, this number nearly doubled, with thirty-six babies being named Kerrigan at birth. This trend continued into the late 1990s and early 2000s, with the highest number of births recorded for the name Kerrigan occurring in 2001, with one hundred thirteen babies being given this name.
However, after reaching its peak popularity in 2001, the usage of the name Kerrigan began to decline steadily. By 2016, there were only seventy-nine births with this name recorded, and this number has continued to decrease in recent years, with forty-five births recorded in 2023.
In total, since at least 1972, there have been a combined two thousand three hundred ninety-three babies born in the United States with the name Kerrigan. Despite its fluctuations in popularity over the years, this name has remained relatively uncommon compared to other names given during these time periods.