Kerin
Primarily a girl's name of Irish origin with 1,318 recorded births. Also given to 272 boys.
Meaning & Origin
A surname.
Kerin is a boy's and girl's baby name of Irish origin, a variant of Kieran, from the Irish Ciarán meaning 'little dark one' or 'dark-haired.' Saint Kieran of Clonmacnoise was one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland, making this a name with early Celtic Christian heritage.
Kerin is a clean, understated Irish name — carrying ancient sanctity with a light, modern touch.
EtymologyShow more
Kerin is cataloged under the Irish naming tradition. Celtic names carry the echoes of ancient insular traditions, often drawing from nature, warfare, and mythology.
In the U.S., Kerin has been recorded as a girl's name since 1935, with 1,318 total births. Browse the Irish names hub on this site to explore the broader family.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Kerin has 67+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1935.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 15 | #18226 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 88 | #10442 | ▼ |
| 1990s | 141 | #7035 | ▼ |
| 1980s | 266 | #3518 | — |
| 1970s | 284 | #2762 | — |
| 1960s | 311 | #2176 | ▲ |
| 1950s | 157 | #3242 | ▲ |
| 1940s | 16 | #4997 | ▼ |
| 1930s | 40 | #3227 | — |
The Story of Kerin
A Millennial name
Peaking in 1981, Kerin is a Millennial-era classic. Girls named Kerin are most likely born between 1971 and 1991.
How rare is Kerin?
With 1,318 total births on record, Kerin remains a rare and distinctive pick.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1935, grew steadily over the decades, peaked in the 1960s with 311 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Kerin by the numbers
- Would fill 27 school buses
- Meeting one Kerin per day would take 3.6 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(67 years, 1935–2013)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 5 | #17976 |
| 2011 | 5 | #18228 |
| 2010 | 5 | #18475 |
| 2009 | 7 | #14491 |
| 2007 | 12 | #9864 |
| 2006 | 6 | #16163 |
| 2004 | 9 | #11187 |
| 2003 | 15 | #7404 |
| 2002 | 10 | #9890 |
| 2001 | 14 | #7538 |
| 2000 | 15 | #6997 |
| 1999 | 10 | #9160 |
| 1998 | 8 | #10628 |
| 1997 | 12 | #7508 |
| 1996 | 10 | #8496 |
| 1995 | 15 | #6115 |
| 1994 | 15 | #6164 |
| 1993 | 21 | #4737 |
| 1992 | 12 | #7274 |
| 1991 | 22 | #4579 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Kerin as a Boy's Name
Though more common for girls, Kerin has a notable history as a boy's name too, with 272 births since 1954.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kerin a boy's or girl's name?
When was Kerin most popular?
How popular is the name Kerin?
Can Kerin be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1935–2013