Kerrilyn is a unique and captivating feminine given name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic word "Ceara," which means "little dark one." This name is believed to have been popularized during the Middle Ages, although its exact origins are somewhat unclear.
The name Kerrilyn is thought to have evolved from the Scottish surname "Kerr," which itself was derived from the Gaelic word for "dark-haired." Over time, this surname became a given name for females, eventually evolving into the spelling we know today as Kerrilyn. It is important to note that while Kerrilyn is considered a feminine name today, historically it has been used for both boys and girls in Scotland.
Despite its Scottish origins, Kerrilyn is not particularly common in Scotland today. Instead, it is more frequently found in other English-speaking countries such as the United States and Canada. In fact, according to some sources, Kerrilyn was more popular as a given name in the United States during the 1970s than it has been at any other time.
Overall, Kerrilyn is a distinctive and interesting name with a rich history dating back centuries. While its origins are somewhat unclear, there is no doubt that this name has captured the imaginations of parents around the world looking for unique and meaningful names for their daughters.
The name Kerrilyn has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 107 babies given this name between 1962 and 1996. The highest number of births occurred in 1974, with nine newborns sharing the name Kerrilyn that year. However, there have been several years where only five or fewer babies were named Kerrilyn, including 1981, 1992, and 1996.
While not one of the most popular names in recent decades, Kerrilyn has still made its mark on American history with over a hundred individuals bearing this distinctive name. It's interesting to note that the name saw two peaks in popularity, first between 1969 and 1974, and again briefly between 1982 and 1989 before tapering off once more.
This data highlights how trends in naming can fluctuate over time, with certain names rising and falling in popularity from decade to decade. Despite not being a commonly used name today, Kerrilyn holds a unique place in American naming history.