Kerry
Meaning of Kerry
Kerry is a breezy, unisex choice that sails over from Ireland’s southwest corner, borrowing its name—and its emerald-green spirit—from County Kerry, “land of the Ciar,” or “people with dark hair.” In everyday English, it’s simply pronounced KEH-ree, a friendly two-step that feels as easy as skipping stones across a lake. Parents often love that Kerry carries the wild beauty of the Ring of Kerry, all rugged cliffs and rolling sheep pastures, yet wears comfortably in an American playground. Pop-culture gives it extra sparkle—think Emmy-winner Kerry Washington or guitar legend Kerry King—while the surname-turned-first-name link to statesman John Kerry adds a quiet note of gravitas. Popularity-wise, the name rode a high Irish wave in the mid-20th century and now hovers in the 800–900s, making it familiar but far from overused. All told, Kerry offers a dash of Gaelic charm, a whisper of adventure, and a flexible, gender-friendly fit—perfect for a child destined to chart a path as free-spirited as the Atlantic winds that inspired it.
Pronunciation
English
- Pronunced as KEH-ree (/ˈkɛri/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Kerry
| Kerry Washington is an acclaimed American actress, Emmy winner, and one of Time's most influential people of 2014. |
| Kerry Von Erich was an American professional wrestler and world champion known as the Texas Tornado in the WWF. |
| Kerry Kennedy is an American lawyer, author, and human rights activist who leads Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights. |
| Kerry Butler is an American actress and singer known for her Broadway roles in Hairspray, Beetlejuice, and Xanadu. |
| Kerry Livgren is an American musician best known as a founding member and primary songwriter of the rock band Kansas. |
| Kerry Lee Wood is a former American baseball pitcher known for his record 20 strikeouts in one game and 1998 Rookie of the Year honors. |
| Kerry Collins is a former NFL quarterback who played for 17 seasons, notably with the Carolina Panthers, New York Giants, and Tennessee Titans. |
| Kerry Stokes is an Australian businessman best known as chairman of the Seven Network, one of Australia's largest broadcasters. |
| Kerry Katona is an English television personality and former Atomic Kitten singer who won a celebrity jungle reality show in 2004. |
| Kerry Earnhardt is a former NASCAR driver and the eldest son of racing legend Dale Earnhardt. |
| Kerry O'Brien is an Australian journalist and former ABC host who has won six Walkley Awards. |
| Kerry Greenwood was an Australian author and lawyer best known for her Phryne Fisher mysteries, which inspired the television series Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries. |
| Kerry Rhodes is an American actor and former NFL safety who played for the New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals. |
| Kerry Hyder Jr. is a former NFL defensive end who played college football at Texas Tech. |
