Find out how popular the first name Kerr has been for the last 40 years (from 1984 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kerr by gender

Based on the last 40 years of data, Kerr is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Kerr.

The history of the first name Kerr

The name Kerr has its origins in the Gaelic language and culture, originating as a surname in Scotland. It is derived from the Gaelic word "cerr," which means "left-handed" or "awkward." This suggests that the name may have been initially used as a descriptive nickname for someone who was left-handed or considered clumsy or awkward.

The earliest recorded use of the name Kerr dates back to the 12th century in Scotland. It was initially a surname associated with the influential Kerr family, who were prominent landowners and noblemen in the Scottish Borders region. The Kerr family played a significant role in Scottish history, with members holding various positions of power and influence.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Kerr was Sir Robert Kerr (c. 1350-1420), a Scottish nobleman who served as the High Sheriff of Roxburghshire in the late 14th century. Another notable figure was Sir Andrew Kerr (c. 1480-1545), who held the position of Lord Warden of the Scottish Marches and played a crucial role in the Rough Wooing, a series of conflicts between Scotland and England in the 16th century.

As the Kerr surname gained prominence, it also began to be used as a given name, particularly in Scotland and areas with Scottish influence. One notable individual with the given name Kerr was Kerr Eby (1789-1873), a Canadian teacher and farmer who played a role in the early settlement of Waterloo County in Ontario.

Another prominent figure was Kerr Cunningham (1887-1976), a Scottish-born Australian politician who served as a member of the Australian House of Representatives and was instrumental in the establishment of the Australian Broadcasting Commission (now known as the Australian Broadcasting Corporation).

In the literary world, Kerr Eby Quinn (1889-1968) was an American author and educator who wrote several books on education and teaching methods, including "The Hilltop on the Marne" and "The Masculine Muse."

The name Kerr has also been associated with various fields, such as sports and entertainment. Kerr Kristate (1945-2016) was an American professional basketball player who played in the American Basketball Association and the NBA, while Kerr Smith (born 1972) is an American actor known for his roles in television series like "Dawson's Creek" and "Life Unexpected."

It's important to note that while the name Kerr has Scottish origins, it has since been adopted and used in various cultures and countries around the world, often with different spellings or variations based on local languages and traditions.

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 Kerr was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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