"ugly head (from ceann donn)"
Origin: Irish
Language: English
Kennedy
Pronunciation: [ k-EHN-uhd-ee ]
Does Kennedy flow with your last name?
A presidential surname turned power name for girls
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American
Scottish
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Meaning & Origin
"helmeted chief"
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Language: Irish
"head of the clan"
Origin: Celtic
Language: Gaelic
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Things to Know About This Name
- Strongly associated with the Kennedy political dynasty and JFK assassination (1963)
The Story of Kennedy
Kennedy derives from the Irish Gaelic name Cinneidigh, composed of ceann meaning head or chief and eidigh meaning helmeted. Originally a surname of the powerful Kennedy clan in County Tipperary, Ireland, it crossed the Atlantic and became a given name in America during the 20th century, particularly after the rise of the Kennedy political family.
Kennedy surged as a first name for girls in the US after 2000, driven by the prestige of the Kennedy family legacy and the broader trend of using presidential surnames as first names. It entered the top 100 girl names around 2010.
The name carries enormous weight in American political history, synonymous with the storied Kennedy dynasty including President John F. Kennedy. In Ireland, it remains primarily a surname.
Historical Record
Kennedy first appeared in US Social Security records in 1957.
Over 90,712 babies have been named Kennedy in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Kennedy is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #89 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The Kennedy surname first appears in recorded Irish history in the 10th century
- Kennedy entered the US top 200 girl names in 2004
- The name is now predominantly given to girls in the US
Kennedy in Other Languages
Irish
Cinneidigh
French
Kennedy
Spanish
Kennedy
Scottish Gaelic
Ceannaidigh
Popularity Over Time
#89
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Kennedy
K
Kennedy McMann
Actor
1996
American actress known for the Nancy Drew TV series
K
Kennedy Yanko
Artist
1988
American sculptor and painter known for combining paint skins with metal structures
K
Kennedy Davenport
Entertainer
1982
American drag performer and RuPaul's Drag Race Season 7 competitor
J
John F. Kennedy
Politician
1917
35th President of the United States, the youngest elected president
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Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #89
- Total SSA Count
- 2,881
- Cultural Origins
- Irish American Scottish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Popular in These States
Top states by rank · 2024
Common Nicknames
Ken
Kenny
Kenna
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, Irish heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, American heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Kennedy
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Kennedy is also used as a boy name, ranked #1744.
View Kennedy as a boy name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Irish)
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"little red one"
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"youthful; Jove's child"
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"wished for child"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kennedy
What does the name Kennedy mean?
"ugly head (from ceann donn)" (from Irish). "helmeted chief" (from Irish Gaelic). "head of the clan" (from Celtic). Kennedy derives from the Irish Gaelic name Cinneidigh, composed of ceann meaning head or chief and eidigh meaning helmeted. Originally a surname of the powerful Kennedy clan in County Tipperary, Ireland, it crossed the Atlantic and became a given name in America during the 20th century, particularly after the rise of the Kennedy political family.
What is the origin of the name Kennedy?
Kennedy has Irish, Irish Gaelic, Celtic, American, and Scottish origins. In Irish, it means "ugly head (from ceann donn)". In Irish Gaelic, it means "helmeted chief". In Celtic, it means "head of the clan".
Is Kennedy a boy or girl name?
Kennedy is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #89. As a boy name, it is ranked #1744. Kennedy is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Kennedy?
Kennedy is pronounced k-EHN-uhd-ee.
How popular is the name Kennedy?
Kennedy is currently ranked #89 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Kennedy?
Common nicknames for Kennedy include Ken, Kenny, and Kenna.
What are good middle names for Kennedy?
Popular middle name pairings include Kennedy Grace, Kennedy Rose, Kennedy Mae, Kennedy Claire, Kennedy Jane, Kennedy Anne, and Kennedy Elizabeth.
What are good sibling names for Kennedy?
Names that pair well with Kennedy as siblings include Reagan, Quinn, Avery, Riley, Connor, Brennan, and Harper.
How many syllables does Kennedy have?
Kennedy has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Kennedy a common or rare name?
Kennedy is a very popular name, ranked #89 among girl names in the United States.
What girl names are similar to Kennedy?
About the Name Kennedy
Kennedy is a girl name with Irish, American, and Scottish origins . The name means "ugly head (from ceann donn)" in Irish .
Is Kennedy a boy or girl name? Kennedy is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #89 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #1,744. Kennedy is more commonly used as a girl name.
Kennedy is currently ranked #89 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Kennedy has 3 syllables and is pronounced k-EHN-uhd-ee, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Kennedy include Ken, Kenny, and Kenna. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Kennedy include Kennedi, Kenna, Kennadi . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis