Keri Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: KER-ee //ˈkɛr.i//
Origin: Irish; English
Meaning: Irish: dark-haired; English: beloved
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Keri has its roots in the Welsh language, derived from the word "caru," which means "to love." This etymology reflects a deep cultural significance, as names in Welsh often carry meanings related to nature, emotions, or virtues. The name Keri is believed to have evolved from the Welsh diminutive form "Ceri," which has been used since at least the 20th century.
The transition into English occurred as Welsh names began to be adopted more broadly, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries, when there was increased interest in Celtic culture and heritage. Historically, the name Keri, through its variant Ceri, has been associated with various notable figures in Welsh history and literature.
The name gained some recognition in the 20th century, particularly through its use in literature and popular culture. While specific historical milestones for the name Keri are less documented compared to more traditional names, the broader cultural context of Welsh names has been enriched by the revival of interest in Welsh identity and language during the 20th century, particularly following the establishment of the Welsh Assembly in 1999.
Culturally, the name Keri embodies themes of affection and warmth, resonating with the Welsh tradition of valuing familial and communal bonds. The name's association with love and caring aligns with many traditional values found in Welsh folklore and storytelling, where names often reflect the character or virtues of the individual.
The name Keri, while relatively modern in its usage, carries with it a sense of historical depth and cultural significance that reflects the enduring legacy of Welsh naming traditions.
Famous people named Keri
Fictional characters named Keri
Sibling suggestions
Similar names
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Keri was first seen in the United States in 1946. Keri has ranked as high as #327 nationally, which occurred in 1975, and has been most popular in California, New York, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Keri has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Keri (2017)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| TX | 6 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1946 | 7 |
| 1947 | 11 |
| 1948 | 11 |
| 1949 | 12 |
| 1950 | 12 |
| 1951 | 23 |
| 1952 | 33 |
| 1953 | 39 |
| 1954 | 62 |
| 1955 | 58 |
| 1956 | 101 |
| 1957 | 116 |
| 1958 | 150 |
| 1959 | 209 |
| 1960 | 239 |
| 1961 | 249 |
| 1962 | 261 |
| 1963 | 302 |
| 1964 | 352 |
| 1965 | 324 |
| 1966 | 321 |
| 1967 | 490 |
| 1968 | 622 |
| 1969 | 710 |
| 1970 | 802 |
| 1971 | 1,036 |
| 1972 | 1,115 |
| 1973 | 1,212 |
| 1974 | 1,231 |
| 1975 | 1,502 |
| 1976 | 1,466 |
| 1977 | 1,474 |
| 1978 | 1,323 |
| 1979 | 1,151 |
| 1980 | 982 |
| 1981 | 1,000 |
| 1982 | 982 |
| 1983 | 941 |
| 1984 | 1,195 |
| 1985 | 977 |
| 1986 | 912 |
| 1987 | 888 |
| 1988 | 832 |
| 1989 | 737 |
| 1990 | 678 |
| 1991 | 629 |
| 1992 | 466 |
| 1993 | 433 |
| 1994 | 407 |
| 1995 | 334 |
| 1996 | 312 |
| 1997 | 265 |
| 1998 | 250 |
| 1999 | 243 |
| 2000 | 203 |
| 2001 | 147 |
| 2002 | 155 |
| 2003 | 122 |
| 2004 | 74 |
| 2005 | 85 |
| 2006 | 76 |
| 2007 | 66 |
| 2008 | 69 |
| 2009 | 69 |
| 2010 | 70 |
| 2011 | 75 |
| 2012 | 48 |
| 2013 | 37 |
| 2014 | 40 |
| 2015 | 40 |
| 2016 | 39 |
| 2017 | 36 |
| 2018 | 25 |
| 2019 | 15 |
| 2020 | 15 |
| 2021 | 13 |
| 2022 | 14 |
| 2023 | 18 |
| 2024 | 7 |