Kerrs

Kerrs is a surname used to denote bearers of the Kerr family name. In historical records, Kerrs can function as a plural reference to a family, or as an independent variant spelling of Kerr.

Origins and etymology: The surname Kerr is of Scottish origin. The precise root is uncertain, and multiple theories exist. It may derive from a nickname for a dark-haired person from Gaelic ciar, from a habitational name associated with places named Kerr in the Scottish Lowlands, or from early Norse or Anglo-Scottish influences. Early forms appear in records from the 12th and 13th centuries, and the name is associated with Clan Kerr, a Border clan operating in the Scottish Borders.

Distribution and history: The Kerr name spread with Scottish and English migration to Ireland, England, and to North America and Australasia during the 18th–19th centuries. In contemporary times, Kerr remains most common in Scotland and parts of Northern England, with communities in Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. The plural form Kerrs occurs most frequently in archival documents and genealogical sources to identify multiple bearers of the name.

Variants: The form Kerrs is closely linked to Kerr and may reflect dialectal spelling, clerical records, and regional pronunciation. Related surnames include Carr, Carre, and Carrs, among others.

Notable people: Notable individuals are usually listed under Kerr; Kerrs appears mainly in historical or regional records. The name is primarily of genealogical interest today.