Declining since 1985, #7,491 for girls today.
Popularity of Keri since 1946
Babies named Keri per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 41 |
| 1950s | 803 |
| 1960s | 3,870 |
| 1970s | 12,312 |
| 1980s | 9,446 |
| 1990s | 4,017 |
| 2000s | 1,066 |
| 2010s | 425 |
| 2020s | 81 |
Meaning & origin
Keri experienced its peak popularity in 1975, when it ranked among the more common names for girls in the United States. Since 1985, however, its usage has been steadily declining. As of 2025, it ranks 7,491 with a frequency of approximately 1 in 114,805 births. The name first entered the U.S. naming pool in 1946, reflecting a broader trend of adapting Irish surnames and place names as given names. Keri is a modernized spelling of Kerry, which itself comes from the Irish Ciarán, meaning 'little dark one.' The variant spelling Keri offered a more streamlined, feminine alternative that resonated with parents in the 1970s. Though its usage has waned, Keri remains a recognizable name with a clear Irish heritage, though it no longer appears in the top baby name lists.
Keri is a modern English spelling variant of Kerry, which derives from the Irish Gaelic name Ciarán, meaning 'little dark one.' It has been used in Ireland and among Irish diaspora communities since the early 20th century. The spelling Keri saw a rise in popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1970s.
Where Keri is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Keri
Names that share Keri's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Keri
Names whose popularity has moved with Keri's over the last 50 years.
