Kerri is a female given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname Kerry, which is itself derived from the county of Kerry in Ireland. The county's name comes from the Old Gaelic word "Ciarraige," which means "the people of Ciar." Ciar was a legendary king of Munster who was believed to have lived in the 2nd century AD.
The name Kerri has been used as a given name since the mid-20th century. It gained popularity in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia during the 1960s and 1970s. Today, it is still considered a popular choice for parents looking for an Irish-inspired name for their daughters.
In addition to its Irish origins, Kerri has also been associated with other cultures and languages. In some cases, it may be used as a diminutive form of the Greek name Keras, which means "spear." However, this usage is less common than the Irish derivation.
Overall, Kerri is a unique and distinctive name that carries a strong connection to its Irish roots. Its meaning adds an additional layer of depth and significance to the name, making it a popular choice for parents looking for a name with history and character.
The name Kerri has seen a fascinating journey in popularity over the years in the United States, as reflected in the provided statistics of annual births. Between 1945 and 2023, there have been a total of 36,990 babies named Kerri born in the U.S.
The name's peak popularity came in the late 1960s and early 1970s. In 1967, the number of births with the name Kerri more than doubled from the previous year, reaching 879. This trend continued into the next decade, peaking at 1,577 births in 1974. It was during this time that Kerri became one of the top 100 most popular names for girls in the U.S.
However, like many names, Kerri's popularity began to decline after its peak. By the early 1980s, the number of annual births with the name had fallen below 1,000. This downward trend continued throughout the rest of the century and into the 21st century, reaching a low point in recent years.
Despite this decline in popularity, it is clear that Kerri remains a name with historical significance in the U.S., having been chosen for thousands of babies over several decades. It's always interesting to see how naming trends evolve over time, reflecting the changing tastes and preferences of each generation.