Kerry is a unisex given name of Irish origin, derived from the Irish word "Ciarrai," which refers to the county located in the southwest of Ireland known as County Kerry. The name Kerry itself has no specific meaning or translation, but it is strongly associated with the Irish culture and heritage.
The popularity of the name Kerry can be traced back to the mid-20th century when it started to gain recognition among parents looking for unique and meaningful names for their children. In the United States, for example, its usage peaked in the 1970s and 1980s before declining somewhat in recent years.
Historically, Kerry was more commonly used as a male given name, but it has since become popular as a female name as well. Despite this shift, the name remains strongly associated with Irish culture and heritage for both boys and girls.
In terms of its usage, Kerry is considered quite rare compared to other names, making it a distinctive choice for parents looking for something unique for their child. However, because of its association with County Kerry in Ireland, it may be particularly appealing to families with Irish ancestry or those interested in Irish culture and heritage.
Overall, the name Kerry offers a strong connection to Irish history and culture while providing a unique and memorable option for parents seeking a distinctive name for their child.
The name Kerry experienced a significant increase in popularity from the late 1940s to the mid-1950s, with births peaking at 1747 in 1957 and remaining high throughout the 1950s. The peak was followed by a steady decline in usage over subsequent decades, with only 35 births recorded in 2023. Overall, from 1921 to 2023, there were a total of 49861 births registered as Kerry.