Kennedy vs Willow

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Kennedy

Girl #89 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"ugly head (from ceann donn)"

Origin: Irish

Cultural Roots

Irish American Scottish

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#89
Total SSA Count
2,881
Syllables
3
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Ken, Kenny, Kenna

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Kennedy →

Willow

Girl #41 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"From Old English 'welig', the willow tree; a nature name associated with flowing water and healing"

Origin: English

Cultural Roots

English American Australian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#41
Total SSA Count
4,653
Syllables
2
Formality
Casual
Nicknames
Will, Wills, Willa

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Willow →

Popularity Comparison

Kennedy Rank #89
Willow Rank #41

Willow is more popular, ranked #41 vs #89 for Kennedy.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Kennedy ___

  • Kennedy Grace
  • Kennedy Rose
  • Kennedy Mae
  • Kennedy Claire
  • Kennedy Jane
  • Kennedy Anne

Willow ___

  • Willow Rose
  • Willow Jane
  • Willow Mae
  • Willow Grace
  • Willow Claire
  • Willow Faith

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Kennedy

Reagan Quinn Avery Riley Connor

If you choose Willow

Ivy Hazel Violet Jasper Rowan

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kennedy or Willow more popular?

Willow is more popular, ranked #41 compared to Kennedy at #89 in the United States.

What do Kennedy and Willow mean?

Kennedy means "ugly head (from ceann donn)" (Irish origin). Willow means "From Old English 'welig', the willow tree; a nature name associated with flowing water and healing" (English origin).

Are Kennedy and Willow boy or girl names?

Kennedy is primarily a girl name. Willow is primarily a girl name.

More Comparisons

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← Full profile: Kennedy ← Full profile: Willow Browse all baby names