Declining since 2013, #4,546 for girls today.
Popularity of Kerrigan since 1972
Babies named Kerrigan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 6 |
| 1990s | 444 |
| 2000s | 883 |
| 2010s | 884 |
| 2020s | 238 |
Meaning & origin
Kerrigan first appeared on the U.S. baby name charts in 1972, a relatively late arrival for a name derived from an old Irish surname. It saw modest use through the 1990s, then climbed steadily to its peak at rank 4546 in 2012, a year that saw its highest number of births. Since 2013, its trajectory has been falling, reflecting a typical pattern for names that spike from pop culture influence. In its peak decade of the 2010s, Kerrigan was most popular in Illinois, its only top state. Despite its decline, the name retains a distinctive sound, blending the popular 'K' initial with a strong Irish heritage. As of 2025, it is a rare choice given to roughly 1 in every 53,576 girls, maintaining a unique but recognizable feel.
Kerrigan is an Anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Ciaragáin, which comes from the personal name Ciaragán, a diminutive of Ciaran (from 'ciar' meaning 'dark'). The surname was historically common in County Galway and County Donegal. As a given name, it emerged in the late 20th century, likely influenced by the surname and popularized by the character Kerrigan (the Queen of Blades) in the 1998 video game StarCraft.
Where Kerrigan is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kerri, Keri, Riggan
Sibling names for Kerrigan
Names that share Kerrigan's style, for a brother or sister.
