Surname Kerr - Meaning and Origin

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U. Kerr

Kerr: What does the surname Kerr mean?

Kerr is a surname of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Old Norse word 'kjarr', which roughly translates to 'marsh dweller', signifying someone who lived near a patch of wet, marshy land. The Kerrs were a prominent Scottish border clan in the Middle Ages, primarily located in the regions of Roxburghshire and Berwickshire. There are also variations of the name, including Carr and Ker. Notably, as per tradition, Kerrs are said to be left-handed. The clan's castles, such as Ferniehirst Castle, were even designed with left-handed features like staircases turning clockwise rather than the usual counter-clockwise, supposedly giving the left-handed Kerr fighters an advantage. Thus, the name Kerr has rich historical connotations, intertwined with stories of Scottish valor, nobility, and uniqueness.

Kerr: Where does the name Kerr come from?

The last name Kerr originates from Scotland, having been derived from a location known as Kerr in Roxburghshire, Scotland. The name is believed to emerge in the 12th century, as a territorial surname indicating 'someone who lives near water' or 'someone who lives near a marsh'. The name may also come from Norse keri, signifying a "comb," or from the Gaelic "ciar," meaning "dusky" or "dark."

The Kerr family name is famously connected to the Scottish Borders and holds significant importance in Scottish history due to the Kerrs' significant roles over the centuries. The Kerrs have two main branches, the Kerrs of Ferniehirst and the Kerrs of Cessford.

The last name Kerr is not only prevalent in Scotland but has also spread to other countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia due to migration. Its popularity is particularly noticeable in regions where the Scottish diaspora has had a significant impact, such as North America and Australasia.

Variations of the surname Kerr

The surname Kerr is of Scottish origin and has numerous variants and spellings including Ker, Kar, Carr, Karr, Kehr, Kerre, Kers, and Kerrs. This name was given to individuals who lived in the Scottish Borders region. Some families also used the name Carr which is of English origin but was adopted and adapted by Scottish families, hence is occasionally considered a variant of Kerr.

Surnames that may share the same origin due to historical spelling inconsistency and phonetic similarities include Cearr, Cerr, Curr, Kurr, and Keir. There could also be connections to the Irish surnames Carr and O'Carroll or the Welsh 'Cer' or 'Cerr', though they have different etymological roots.

The surname Kerr can also appear as a prefix, as in Kerrigan and Kersey. There are also various double-barreled or hyphenated surnames that incorporate Kerr such as Kerr-Smith or Kerr-Duncan.

While the listed surnames might be variants or potentially share origins, it is essential to remember that surname origins can be complex, influenced by geographical, historical, and personal family circumstances. The exact relationships between these names and Kerr could vary and it is always best to trace individual ancestry for confirmation.

Famous people with the name Kerr

• Miranda Kerr: Australian supermodel and businesswoman, best known as a Victoria's Secret Angel.
• Steve Kerr: American professional basketball coach and former player who currently serves as the head coach of the Golden State Warriors.
• Deborah Kerr: British actress nominated six times for the Academy Award for Best Actress.
• Jim Kerr: Scottish musician and lead singer of the rock band Simple Minds.
• John Kerr: Actor most known for his role in "South Pacific".
• Walter Kerr: Pulitzer Prize-winning American writer and Broadway theater critic.
• Sam Kerr: Australian professional football (soccer) player, playing as a forward.
• Graham Kerr: British cooking personality known as The Galloping Gourmet.
• Judith Kerr: British writer and illustrator of children's books, most famous for "The Tiger Who Came to Tea".
• Jean Kerr: American author and playwright best known for writing "Please Don't Eat the Daisies".
• Andrew Kerr: Co-founder of the Glastonbury Festival.
• Kitty Kerr: English actress known for her role in the 1956 drama "Reach for the Sky".
• Glenn Kerr: American baseball player.
• Mossie Joseph Kerr: Australian Rugby Union player.
• Hal Kerr: American actor, appeared in films such as "Broadway Melody of 1940" and "Thousands Cheer".

Other surnames

KerKeragallKerangallKeransKerbachKerbaughKerberKerbieKerblerKerboKerboughKerbowKerbyKerchKercherKerchnerKerckKerckelKerckhoffKerckhoffsKerckhofsKerdiffKerevanKergallKergelKergerKerglKerimKerimogluKerin