Kerry

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A county in southwestern Ireland known for its scenic landscapes and historical sites ; a male given name deriving from the Irish word for "dark-haired" or relating to the region ; a breed of small herding dog originating from the same Irish county renowned for its agility and loyalty
2. An administrative area in Ireland celebrated for its natural beauty and cultural heritage ; a personal name often associated with Irish origin meaning "dark" or "black" ; a type of versatile sheepdog from Ireland noted for its intelligence and working ability
3. A territorial division in Ireland recognized for mountainous terrain and tourist attractions ; an Irish-origin given name referring to the dark features or toponyms of the region ; a distinct breed of Irish dog traditionally used for livestock management and known for its distinctive black coat

Etymology: One spelling covers two unrelated origins. The Irish surname comes from "Ó Ciardha", meaning "descendant of Ciardha", and that personal name is built on "ciar", the Irish word for "black". The family name therefore points back to an ancestor known by a word for darkness, probably in hair or complexion. The English surname has a separate source. It comes from a personal name derived from Old Norse "Kári", so the two family names share a spelling but no root. The county's name is a third matter. It is generally linked to the Ciarraige, an early Irish people, rather than to the surname at all.

Synonyms: county kerry