KER

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Ker

Ker is a Scottish and Northern English surname of ancient origin. The name is derived from the Old Norse and Old English word 'kaer' or 'caer', which means "fort" or "defensive barrier".

The Ker surname was first recorded in the Scottish Borders region and is associated with the ancient clan system of Scotland. Members of the Ker clan were historically involved in the conflict-laden history of the Scottish borders, where they were known for their military prowess and strategic alliances.

Over time, the Ker surname spread to other parts of Scotland and England, particularly in Northumberland and Durham. Variants of the name include Carr and Kerr.

Notable individuals with the surname Ker include Lord Walter Kerr, a prominent Scottish diplomat in the 19th century, and John Ker of Kersland, a respected 18th-century Scottish judge.

The Ker surname continues to be borne by families across the United Kingdom and the wider world, with many proud descendants tracing their ancestry back to the historic Ker clan of Scotland.

There are approximately 545 people named Ker in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around eight in a million people in Britain are named Ker.

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Scotland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

Alan
Andrew
Brian
David
Douglas
James
John
Jonathan
Nicholas
Peter
Richard
Robert

Female

Alison
Catherine
Clare
Eileen
Elizabeth
Fiona
Hazel
Jacqueline
Jennifer
Louise
Margaret
Mary
Rosemary
Sarah
Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.