Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Keri is an Irish name that means 'dark-haired', evolving from the Gaelic name 'Ciara'. It has gained popularity in recent decades as a modern alternative to traditional names. The name is associated with creativity and individuality, with no biblical relevance.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈkɛəri/
Origin
Irish
Etymology
Keri is derived from the Gaelic name 'Ciara', which means 'dark' or 'black'. It is often associated with the feminine form of 'Ciar', referring to someone with dark hair or a dark complexion.
Meaning
dark-haired
Language Evolution
Ciara, Kiera, Keri
Historical Usage
Keri gained popularity in the late 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, as a modern variant of traditional Irish names.
Variants & Derivatives
Kiera, Ciara, Keriann, Kery
Modern Popularity & Image
The name Keri is often perceived as modern and trendy, associated with creativity and individuality.
Famous People
Keri Russell, Keri Hilson, Keri Strug
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,517 peak births in 1975
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Rhode Island
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 9 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (7 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 7 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 5506th of 7552 | 23 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 3627th of 10718 | 129 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 4707th of 16616 | 158 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 18784th of 24088 | 15 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 925th of 12526 | 2,247 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 271st of 19264 | 15,761 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 350th of 27321 | 11,723 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 1609th of 35406 | 2,017 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 5254th of 30306 | 299 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - |
60.78% 2458th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
35.79% 797th/2227 |
45.31% 1101st/2430 |
40.55% 1157th/2853 |
20.14% 559th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
8.75% 257th/2937 |
7.29% 254th/3483 |
9.15% 322nd/3518 |
5.93% 240th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
8.74% 322nd/3685 |
6.50% 291st/4475 |
6.18% 321st/5194 |
8.11% 512th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
37.39% 1713th/4582 |
26.84% 1386th/5164 |
19.29% 1411th/7313 |
37.33% 2786th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - |
67.80% 4625th/6822 |
74.49% 4675th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Rhode Island across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation X (Gen X) generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 5506th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3627th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 4707th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 18784th out of 24088 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 925th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 271st out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 350th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1609th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 5254th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.