Origin & Meaning of the Kerr Surname
What does the last name Kerr mean?
The surname Kerr carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 44,711 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Kerr ranks as the #771 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Kerr come from?
The Kerr surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Kerr name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Kerr trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Kerr |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #771 |
| US Count (2010) | 44,711 |
| Per 100K People | 15.16 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Kerr
According to the US Census, the Kerr surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 44,711 Americans with the Kerr last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 86.86% |
| Black | 7.52% |
| Hispanic | 2.44% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.8% |
| Native American | 0.6% |
| Two or More Races | 1.78% |
Popularity of Kerr Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Kerr surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Kerr surname increased by 1,953 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Kerr Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Kerr ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Kerr Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Kerr Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Kerr
- ✓ The Kerr coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Kerr families live today
- ✓ Notable Kerr bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Kerr
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Kerr.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Kerr.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kerr
Top Surnames Starting with K
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter K, ranked by population.
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