A 1970s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Kerri since 1945
Babies named Kerri per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 45 |
| 1950s | 1,572 |
| 1960s | 7,558 |
| 1970s | 14,448 |
| 1980s | 8,564 |
| 1990s | 3,567 |
| 2000s | 870 |
| 2010s | 322 |
| 2020s | 75 |
Meaning & origin
Kerri is a distinctly mid-20th century Americanized spelling of the Irish classic Kerry, itself an Anglicized form of Ciara meaning 'dark-haired'. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1945, but its peak popularity came in 1975 when it ranked highest among the variant spellings. After decades of decline, Kerri has seen a slight rise in use since 2022, though it remains uncommon with a rank of 9,457 in 2025. Unlike many vintage revivals, Kerri has not yet returned to widespread favor, making it a rare choice for parents seeking an authentic Irish-rooted name from the 1970s era.
Kerri is a variant of Kerry, which itself is an Anglicized form of the Irish name Ciara. Ciara derives from the Irish word 'ciar' meaning 'dark' or 'black', referring to dark hair or complexion. It was traditionally a feminine name in Ireland, associated with early saints. In the mid-20th century, the spelling Kerri emerged as a modern variant in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States.
Where Kerri 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
Nicknames: Ker, Keri
Sibling names for Kerri
Names that share Kerri's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Kerri
Names whose popularity has moved with Kerri's over the last 50 years.
