Kerry (name)

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Kerry (KER-ee) (alternatively "Kerri") is both a masculine and feminine English language given name of Gaelic (Irish) origin.

In its original form, Ciarraighe (Ciarraí), it denoted the people of Ciar (ciar-raighe). It was the name of the pre-Gaelic tribe who lived in the area of what is now County Kerry. However branches of the Ciarraighe were located all over Ireland:

• Ciarraige Luachra - located in what is now north County Kerry and Sliabh Luachra, both named after them.
• Ciarraige Cuirche - located due south of what is now Cork City, in Munster.
• Ciarraige Áei - situated on the plains of central County Roscommon, in Connacht.
• Ciarraighe Locha na nÁirne - found in eastern County Mayo in Connacht.
• Ciarraige Airtech - on Magh nAirtig (plain of Airtig, northwest County Roscommon, parish of Tibohine.
• Ciarraige Broengair - location uncertain. The Múscraige Breogain were found south-west of Cashel, Munster.
• Ciarraige Choinnend - location uncertain.
• Ciarraige Trimaige - location uncertain.
• Ciarraige Aidhne - located in Aidhne, now south County Galway, Connacht.

They claimed common descent from Ciar, son of Fergus mac Róich.

Kerry is also a common surname and as such is of Welsh origin, though sometimes spelled Ceri. However, Ceri (pronounced Kerry) is more commonly in Wales a first name, either masculine or feminine.

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