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KERR Family History
Recorded as Ker, Kerr and Keir, this interesting name is Anglo-Scottish, but ultimately of pre 7th century Old Norse origins. It is or was topographical and found mainly in the famous "Border counties" of the two countries. It describes someone who lived near a patch of wet ground overgrown with brushwood. The derivation of the name is from the word "kjarr", meaning copsewood, brushwood, or wet ground, which became in Northern English "kerr", describing a bog or fen, covered with low brushwood. The surname from this source is first recorded in Scotland (see below), where the Lothian branch of the family spell their name as Kerr, although the Roxburgh branch use Ker...Who have we missed?
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My KERR family is from N. Ireland. My grandfather was Frederick Arthur KERR, born 1905, Portadown, N. Ireland. He was the youngest of 10 siblings all born in Portadown to William Henry Kerr and Sarah Jane Kerr (nee Davidson). 1901 and 1911 Census indicates William Henry Kerr was born in Co. Down but must have been 1863 (no record) so I am not able to find any of his siblings other than his father was named William and he was a 'Shoemaker'. Trying to find more info on my heritage......
ReplyMy kerr family from ayr scotland ancester dromore co down ireland
ReplyNorman kerr Belfast
ReplyCharles Kerr died of dysentery in Arkansas during the Civil War. I am trying to identify his father/mother. He apparently came from Ireland. Abt dates are b. 1933 Ireland D. 1865 Camden Ak Thank you for any hints.
ReplyFrances Cole Kerr 1822 County Donegal, Ireland married John McCulligh 1826 of Donegal immigrated to Canada circa 1850.
ReplyLooking for someone other than me, my brother, and father. I only know of us 3 so far. Dad was born in Baltimore MD. Never knew his dad but believe he is a small Irish fellow.
ReplyWe are Baltimore Kerr’s, first came from Ireland in mid-1800s
ReplyAreas of Origin for KERR
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