Kennedy

What does the baby name Kennedy mean? Learn about what Kennedy means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Kennedy - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Kennedy: K-E-N-N-E-D-Y, is a 7-letter female given name.
Pronunciation of Kennedy: KEN-ə-dee; KEH neh dee
Meaning of Kennedy: Ugly head, protected with helmet, armored head, deformed head, helmeted.
Origin of Kennedy: The name 'Kennedy' is of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic surname Ó Cinnéidigh, which means 'descendant of Cinnéidigh'. The surname Cinnéidigh is believed to come from the Gaelic word 'ceann' meaning 'head' or 'chief', and 'éidigh' meaning 'ugly' or 'helmeted'. Therefore, the name 'Kennedy' can be interpreted as 'descendant of the ugly head' or 'descendant of the helmeted chief. '; American Names; Celebrity Names; Celtic Names; Gaelic Names; Irish Names; Politician Names; President Names; Surname Names
Popularity of Kennedy: Kennedy has gained popularity as a given name for girls in recent years. It has consistently ranked within the top 1000 names in the United States since the 1990s. In 2020, Kennedy was the 60th most popular name for girls in the United States, according to the Social Security Administration.; Kennedy currently has 523 likes, and is in the top 2% of liked girl's names. The name Dawn is slightly more popular than Kennedy.

Etymology of Kennedy

The etymology of the name 'Kennedy' can be traced back to its Gaelic origins. As mentioned earlier, it is derived from the Gaelic surname Ó Cinnéidigh, which means 'descendant of Cinnéidigh'. The meaning of Cinnéidigh is debated, with some interpretations suggesting it refers to an 'ugly head' or a 'helmeted chief'. The exact origin and meaning of the name have evolved over time.

Cultural Significance of Kennedy

The name 'Kennedy' holds cultural significance primarily within Irish and Scottish communities. It is associated with the history and heritage of these Celtic cultures. The Kennedy surname has notable historical connections in Ireland, particularly in County Tipperary and County Wexford. The name has been associated with prominent families and individuals throughout history, adding to its cultural significance.