Kerrigan
Primarily a girl's name of Irish origin with 2,430 recorded births. Also given to 105 boys.
Meaning & Origin
A surname from Irish.
Kerrigan is a girl's and boy's baby name of Irish Gaelic origin, from the surname Ó Ciaragáin — meaning 'descendant of the dark one' or 'dark-complexioned.' It follows the Irish tradition of surnames with the 'dark' root that includes Kerry and Kieran.
Kerrigan has a strong, confident sound that sits naturally alongside Finnegan, Branagan, and Callahan. For parents of Irish heritage who love surname-names with genuine Gaelic roots and a strong, slightly dramatic character, Kerrigan is a compelling choice.
EtymologyShow more
Kerrigan 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., Kerrigan has been recorded as a girl's name since 1972, with 2,430 total births. Browse the Irish names hub on this site to explore the broader family.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Kerrigan was #2299 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #4069, but its charm endures.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 208 | #3715 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 884 | #2224 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 883 | #2138 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 444 | #5116 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 6 | #9934 | ▲ |
| 1970s | 5 | #8869 | — |
The Story of Kerrigan
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 2012, Kerrigan is a name that defines a generation. Girls named Kerrigan are most likely born between 2002 and 2022.
How rare is Kerrigan?
Only about 1 in every 100,000 babies born in 2024 was named Kerrigan — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1972, gained momentum through the mid-century, peaked in the 2010s with 884 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Kerrigan by the numbers
- Would fill 51 school buses
- Meeting one Kerrigan per day would take 6.7 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(36 years, 1972–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 36 | #4069 |
| 2023 | 45 | #3497 |
| 2022 | 34 | #4249 |
| 2021 | 42 | #3644 |
| 2020 | 51 | #3116 |
| 2019 | 69 | #2551 |
| 2018 | 78 | #2351 |
| 2017 | 63 | #2728 |
| 2016 | 79 | #2375 |
| 2015 | 98 | #2021 |
| 2014 | 104 | #1932 |
| 2013 | 112 | #1820 |
| 2012 | 118 | #1755 |
| 2011 | 95 | #2049 |
| 2010 | 68 | #2658 |
| 2009 | 85 | #2302 |
| 2008 | 70 | #2650 |
| 2007 | 69 | #2664 |
| 2006 | 90 | #2158 |
| 2005 | 84 | #2192 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Kerrigan as a Boy's Name
While overwhelmingly a girl's name, Kerrigan has also been given to 105 boys in the U.S. since 1993.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kerrigan a boy's or girl's name?
When was Kerrigan most popular?
How popular is the name Kerrigan?
Can Kerrigan be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1972–2024