Kerry (alternatively Kerri; /'kɛ.ɹi/) 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), Ciar being the son of Fergus mac Róich, who gave his name to County Kerry. Ciarraighe was thus the name of the pre-Gaelic tribe who lived in the area of what is now County Kerry. However branches of the Ciarraighe were all over Ireland:
Ciarraige Luachra - in what is now north County Kerry and Sliabh Luachra, both named after them.
Ciarraige Cuirche - due south of what is now Cork City, in Munster.
Ciarraige Áei - on the plains of central County Roscommon, in Connacht.
Ciarraighe Locha na nÁirne - 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 - in Aidhne, now south County Galway, Connacht.
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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