Surname Kerrin - Meaning and Origin
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Kerrin: What does the surname Kerrin mean?
The last name Kerrin is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name Ó Ciardha, meaning "descendant of Ciardha". This element of the name is believed to represent a personal name, with the meaning of a "dark one" or "black haired one". It is likely that those who bore this moniker had dark features, a trait which may have been prized in ancient Ireland.
The name is most commonly found in the Scottish Highlands and in Ulster. As Christianity and literacy spread across Ireland and Scotland, this name was anglicized and eventually became Kerrin. Many variations of the name have emerged, including Kerin, Kerran, Cairns, Kearns, O’Carrin, Kairns, Kaerin, Carin, Curan and Carine.
In ancient Scotland, the Kerrin clan was aligned with the McKinnon clan of Mull. During the third crusade, a Kerrin descendant, named Alexander, rallied troops to the Holy Land and gained notoriety for saving King Richard from a fierce ambush. His celebrated bravery and service to the crown were remembered in the surname celebrations.
The meaning of today’s last name Kerrin has been carried forward through subsequent generations. It is believed to represent courage, loyalty and strength of character. Depending on its history, it may also reflect bravery in battle or a devoted allegiance to the monarchy. Regardless of the Kerrin family’s history, the last name warrants admiration and stands as a reminder of the strength of the ancient clans.
Order DNA origin analysisKerrin: Where does the name Kerrin come from?
Today, the surname Kerrin is most common in Australia and New Zealand. It is believed to have originated with the Scottish surname KERR and is particularly common in the Australian states of Queensland and Victoria.
In Australia, the surname Kerrin has been recorded in records since the 1800s, with early settlers from the UK bringing the name with them. It has also been traced back to areas in Northern Ireland, Finland, Sweden and other Scandinavian countries.
In the United States of America, the surname Kerrin is not as commonly found. In the 2010 census, there were approximately 330 people with the last name Kerrin in the US. The surname is most concentrated in Virginia, Georgia, and Maryland.
In Mexico, the surname Kerrin is much less common. In the 2018 census, about 12 people reported having the surname.
In Canada, the surname Kerrin is not as common. In the 2016 census, only 41 people reported having the surname. The most Kerrin-populated provinces were British Columbia and Ontario.
Overall, the surname Kerrin is most prevalent in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, with most people living in Australia. It is also somewhat common in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with smaller concentrations of people.
Variations of the surname Kerrin
Kerrin (also spelled Kerren or Karrin) is a surname derived from the ancient Irish name Ó Chiaráin. It is most commonly found in Ireland, particularly in the counties of Ulster and Connacht. As with many Irish surnames, it has been anglicised over the years and has taken many variants and spellings, including Kerin, Kern, Kearney, Kearns, Kerrigan, O'Karrin, O'Kerin, and O'Kerin.
The original Irish form of this surname most likely originated in the 10th century A.D., when Ciarán, a Gaelic personal name meaning “dusky” or “dark,” was adopted by various families. After the Norman invasion of Ireland in the 1150s, the Ó Chiaráin ("descendants of Ciarán") were among the septs of Ulster who resisted further Norman incursions.
Kerrin is a particularly common variant of this surname. While the spelling of the surname has had many forms, including Kerran, Keron, Carney, Cairns, Caron, Keran, Karren, and Kerran, the Kerrin variant seems to have been the most widely used form in the early 20th century.
The Kerren and Karrin variants of Kerrin emerged during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as the spelling of the name began to become standardized. These variants likely stemmed from the Irish language, where the spelling “Ó Chiaráin” became “O Cups” in English. This transformation eventually gave rise to the surnames Kerren, Karrin, and Kerrin.
Today, Kerrin is the most common spelling of this surname. It is currently found primarily in Ulster, though it is still common in other parts of the Irish Republic. One can find the variants Kerren and Karrin in all parts of Ireland, with the former being more common in County Donegal and the latter being more found in County Galway and along the south-west coast. In the United States, all three variants of this surname are found in various parts of the country.
Famous people with the name Kerrin
- Jane Kerrin: A conservationist and environmental scientist from Australia, she focuses on the marine pollution crisis.
- Zara Kerrin: A competitive surfer from Australia, Zara travels the globe competing in various surf contests.
- Louise Kerrin: An Irish actress, she is best known for her roles in popular television dramas such as 'The Tudors' and 'Ripper Street'.
- Jamie Kerrin: An experimental musician from the United Kingdom, Jamie is a master of combining different genres to create unique sounds.
- Martin Kerrin: An award-winning composer for film, television and stage, Martin has written music for some of the most popular shows on television.
- Susan Kerrin: An artist from Scotland, Susan specializes in landscape painting and exhibitions her work in top galleries around the world.
- Alexis Kerrin: An American professional dancer, she has performed in musicals, ballets and has been featured in music videos.
- Alexander Kerrin: A British actor known for his dramatic and comedic roles in film and television, Alexander has appeared in many high profile productions.
- Jonathan Kerrin: A multi-instrumentalist from Ireland, Jonathan plays bass, guitar and drums in various rock and funk bands.
- Andrew Kerrin: A political scientist from Australia, Andrew's works focuses on the effects of globalization on developing countries.