Find out how popular the first name Kerly has been for the last 27 years (from 1997 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kerly by gender

Based on the last 27 years of data, Kerly is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 11 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kerly.

The history of the first name Kerly

The given name Kerly is believed to have originated from the Old English language, dating back to the early medieval period around the 5th to 11th centuries. It is thought to be a variation or diminutive form of the name Cerl, which itself is derived from the Old English word "ceorl," meaning a freeman or a peasant. The name Kerly may have been used initially as a nickname or an affectionate form of address for someone named Cerl.

In terms of historical references, the name Kerly is not widely documented in ancient texts or religious scriptures. However, there are a few notable individuals who bore this name throughout history. One of the earliest recorded examples is Kerly of Malmesbury, an English monk and chronicler who lived in the 12th century and authored several works, including the "Gesta Regum Anglorum" (Deeds of the English Kings).

Another notable figure was Kerly Napton, an English poet and playwright who lived in the 16th century. He is best known for his contributions to the Renaissance literary scene in England, particularly his works in the courtly love tradition. Kerly Napton's exact dates of birth and death are uncertain, but he is estimated to have been active during the latter half of the 16th century.

In the 17th century, there was Kerly Winstanley, an English writer and philosopher who was part of the Diggers movement, a radical Protestant group advocating for agrarian communism. Winstanley's works, such as "The Law of Freedom in a Platform" (1652), explored themes of social justice and economic equality. He was born around 1609 and died in the 1670s.

Moving into the 18th century, Kerly Beaumont was a notable English artist known for his portraits and landscapes. He was born in 1718 and died in 1786. Beaumont's works were highly regarded during his lifetime, and some of his paintings can still be found in prestigious art collections today.

Lastly, Kerly Whitmore was an American inventor and entrepreneur who lived in the 19th century. He is credited with developing several innovative agricultural tools and machinery, including a groundbreaking design for a mechanical cotton picker. Whitmore was born in 1824 and died in 1898, leaving a lasting impact on the advancement of agricultural technology.

While the name Kerly may have fallen out of widespread use in more recent times, these historical figures demonstrate its presence and significance throughout various periods and fields, from literature and philosophy to art and invention.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Kerly was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Kerly, please contact us.

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