Kerrigan is a unique and distinctive given name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish surname "Cearrigán," which is believed to have originated in County Mayo, Ireland. The surname Cearrigán comes from the Irish word "cearr" meaning "spear," suggesting that the name may have originally referred to someone who was skilled with a spear or had some association with spears.
The name Kerrigan is thought to have evolved from the diminutive form of the surname, meaning "little spear." However, despite its warrior connotations, the name Kerrigan has become more commonly associated with intelligence and learning rather than physical prowess. This may be due in part to the fame of the American chess player and grandmaster Bobby Fischer, whose mother's maiden name was Kerrigan.
In recent years, the name Kerrigan has gained popularity as a given name for boys and girls alike. Its unique sound and Irish heritage have made it an appealing choice for parents looking for a distinctive name with a strong cultural background. While it is still relatively uncommon compared to more popular names, Kerrigan's popularity has been steadily increasing in recent years.
In terms of its meaning and history, the name Kerrigan carries with it a sense of strength and intelligence, as well as a connection to Irish culture and heritage. Its unique sound also makes it an appealing choice for parents looking for a distinctive name that will set their child apart from others. Overall, Kerrigan is a compelling and meaningful name with a rich history and an appealing sound.
Statistics on the given name Kerrigan in the United States show a varied pattern of popularity over the past three decades.
From 1993 to 2020, there were a total of 105 births registered with the name Kerrigan. The years with the highest number of newborns named Kerrigan were 1996 and 2014, each with 9 births. These two years indicate peak popularity for the name during this period.
The name's popularity seemed to fluctuate throughout the years, with some periods showing higher frequency than others. For instance, there was a notable dip in popularity between 2005 and 2013, with only one birth registered per year on average.
However, since 2017, there has been a resurgence of interest in the name Kerrigan, with at least six births recorded each year until 2020. This recent trend suggests that the name may be regaining favor among parents-to-be in the United States.