Name Detail

Kennedy

Kennedy, with variant forms O'Kennedy and Kennedie, is a surname and a given name of Irish and Scottish origins.

Celtic originSecular traditionElegant

Meaning

Kennedy, with variant forms O'Kennedy and Kennedie, is a surname and a given name of Irish and Scott

Snapshot

A girl name with 3 syllables. Currently considered common.

Popularity Over Time

U.S. Data (2000-2023)

Explore how the popularity of Kennedy has changed over the last two decades.

Historical Context & Cultural Origin

Kennedy is an Irish surname derived from the Gaelic 'Ó Cinnéide,' meaning 'descendant of Cinnéidigh.' Cinnéidigh itself means 'ugly head' or 'chief with the helmet.' It was the name of a powerful Munster dynasty. As a given name, it gained popularity in the 20th century, partly due to the prominent American political family, the Kennedys.