The name Kerri is an English variant of the Irish name Ciara, which has its roots in the Gaelic language. The name Ciara is derived from the Irish word "ciar," which means "dusky" or "dark-featured." It is believed to have originated as a descriptive name for someone with dark hair or complexion.

The name Kerri is thought to have emerged as an Anglicized form of Ciara in the late 20th century, particularly in the United States and other English-speaking countries. It gained popularity as a feminine given name during this period, likely due to its similarity to the more familiar name Kerry, which is associated with the county of Kerry in Ireland.

While the name Ciara has a long history in Irish culture, the earliest recorded instances of the variant Kerri are relatively recent. One of the earliest notable bearers of the name was Kerri Strug, an American gymnast who famously competed with an injured ankle during the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, helping the U.S. team secure a gold medal.

Another famous Kerri is Kerri Walsh Jennings, an American professional beach volleyball player who has won three Olympic gold medals (2004, 2008, and 2012) and is considered one of the greatest beach volleyball players of all time. She was born in 1978.

Kerri Green is an American actress and dancer, best known for her roles in films such as "The Goonies" (1985) and "Summer Rental" (1985). She was born in 1967.

Kerri Kenney-Silver is an American actress and comedian, known for her work in the television series "Reno 911!" (2003-2009) and "The State" (1993-1995). She was born in 1970.

Kerri Hoskins is a British singer-songwriter and musician, who has released several albums and has collaborated with various artists over the years. She was born in 1975.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals who have borne the name Kerri throughout history, showcasing its increasing popularity and usage, particularly in the English-speaking world.