Kennedy Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated June 7, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Kennedy Name Meaning

Fact: The name Kennedy is popular in the US thanks to the legacy of President John F. Kennedy.

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A Deep Dive

Kennedy Overview

Meaning

Helmet-headed

Gender

Girl, Gender-neutral

Origin

Irish, Scottish

Etymology

Derived from the Gaelic name “Cinnéidigh,” meaning “helmeted head” or “misshapen head.”

Religion

Christianity

Pronunciation

/ˈkɛnədi/

Popularity

Kennedy is a popular name in English-speaking countries, used for both boys and girls. Ranked 72nd most popular name in USA in 2023.

Syllable

3 syllables

Length

7 letters

Numerology

33 (Nurturing, Spiritual, Expressive, Altruistic)

Name Styles

Classic, Popular, Cool

Associated Traits

Strong, independent, confident, charismatic
A Deep Dive

Kennedy Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Kennadi, Kennadie, Kennedi, Kennedie, Kenedi, Kennady

Common Nicknames

Ken, Kenny, Kay, Dee

Diminutives

Ned, Neddy, Kenna, Ked

Famous People

  • John F. Kennedy
    (American Politician)
  • Robert F. Kennedy
    (American Politician)
  • Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
    (American First Lady)
  • Ted Kennedy
    (American Politician)
  • Rose Kennedy
    (American Philanthropist)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • "The Kennedys" TV Miniseries, Cameron Kennedy
    ("My Babysitter's a Vampire" TV Series)
  • Kennedy McMann
    ("Nancy Drew" TV Series)
  • John F. Kennedy
    ("JFK" Film)
  • Kennedy
    ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer" TV Series)

Places

  • Kennedy City
    (Minnesota, USA)
  • Kennedy Space Center
    (Florida, USA)
  • Kennedy Park
    (Lima, Peru)
  • Kennedy Town
    (Hong Kong)
  • Kennedy River
    (British Columbia, Canada)

What Is the Meaning of Kennedy?

Kennedy means “helmet-headed.” People named Kennedy are often seen as strong and resilient, with a determined and protective nature.

What Is the Origin of The Name Kennedy?

Kennedy has Irish and Scottish origins. It comes from the Gaelic surname “Cinnéidigh,” which means “helmet-headed” or “chief with a helmet.” The name has a long history in Ireland and Scotland, associated with noble families and clans.

Kennedy Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Kennedy in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#702021#742022#722023
Top 3 Rankings#542014#582015#582017

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Kennedy

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
202372
(+2 from 2022)
3069
(-2 from 2022)
0.17545
202274
(-4 from 2021)
3071
(-368 from 2021)
0.17127
202170
(+2 from 2020)
3439
(+80 from 2020)
0.19195
202072
(-5 from 2019)
3359
(-331 from 2019)
0.19002
201967
(-8 from 2018)
3690
(-253 from 2018)
0.20110
201859
(-1 from 2017)
3943
(-219 from 2017)
0.21203
201758
(+1 from 2016)
4162
(-178 from 2016)
0.22031
201659
(-1 from 2015)
4340
(-182 from 2015)
0.22419
201558
(-4 from 2014)
4522
(+25 from 2014)
0.23179
201454
(+11 from 2013)
4497
(+537 from 2013)
0.22987
201365
(+19 from 2012)
3960
(+572 from 2012)
0.20543
201284
(+7 from 2011)
3388
(+140 from 2011)
0.17469
201191
(+20 from 2010)
3248
(+415 from 2010)
0.16762
2010111
(+4 from 2009)
2833
(-30 from 2009)
0.14449
2009115
No change from 2008
2863
(-90 from 2008)
0.14138
2008115
(-5 from 2007)
2953
(-100 from 2007)
0.14178
2007110
(+5 from 2006)
3053
(+149 from 2006)
0.14425
2006115
(+3 from 2005)
2904
(+78 from 2005)
0.13891
2005118
(-1 from 2004)
2826
(-60 from 2004)
0.13924
2004117
(+5 from 2003)
2886
(+112 from 2003)
0.14303
2003122
(+14 from 2002)
2774
(+261 from 2002)
0.13825
2002136
(+2 from 2001)
2513
(+107 from 2001)
0.12724
2001138
(+1 from 2000)
2406
(+16 from 2000)
0.12146
2000139
(+26 from 1999)
2390
(+498 from 1999)
0.11975
1999165
(+18 from 1998)
1892
(+234 from 1998)
0.09719
1998183
(+3 from 1997)
1658
(+34 from 1997)
0.08553
1997186
(+22 from 1996)
1624
(+206 from 1996)
0.08506
1996208
(+21 from 1995)
1418
(+183 from 1995)
0.07396
1995229
(+295 from 1994)
1235
(+763 from 1994)
0.06427
1994524
(+746 from 1993)
472
(+338 from 1993)
0.02421
19931270
(+1341 from 1992)
134
(+87 from 1992)
0.00680
19922611
(+689 from 1991)
47
(+14 from 1991)
0.00234
19913300
(-343 from 1990)
33
(-5 from 1990)
0.00162
19902957
(+715 from 1989)
38
(+11 from 1989)
0.00185
19893672
(+1393 from 1988)
27
(+11 from 1988)
0.00136
19885065
(-1540 from 1987)
16
(-9 from 1987)
0.00083
19873525
(+1014 from 1986)
25
(+8 from 1986)
0.00133
19864539
(+2416 from 1985)
17
(+8 from 1985)
0.00092
19856955
(-146 from 1984)
9
No change from 1984
0.00049
19846809
(-104 from 1983)
9
No change from 1983
0.00050
19836705
(+184 from 1982)
9
No change from 1982
0.00050
19826889
(+3502 from 1980)
9
(+4 from 1980)
0.00050
19810
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
198010391
(-1380 from 1979)
5
(-1 from 1979)
0.00028
19799011
(-1360 from 1978)
6
(-1 from 1978)
0.00035
19787651
(+1999 from 1977)
7
(+2 from 1977)
0.00043
19779650
(-582 from 1975)
5
No change from 1975
0.00030
19760
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19759068
(-1597 from 1969)
5
No change from 1969
0.00032
19740
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19730
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19720
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19710
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19700
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19697471
(-932 from 1965)
5
No change from 1965
0.00028
19680
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19670
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19660
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19656539
(-648 from 1963)
5
(-1 from 1963)
0.00027
19640
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19635891
(+195 from 1957)
6
(+1 from 1957)
0.00030
19620
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19610
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19600
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19590
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19580
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19576086
First SSA data recorded
5
First SSA data recorded
0.00024
19560
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19550
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19540
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19530
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19520
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19510
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19500
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19490
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19480
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19470
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19460
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19450
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19440
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19430
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19420
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19410
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19400
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19390
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19380
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19370
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19360
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19350
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19340
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19330
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19320
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19310
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19300
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19290
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19280
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19270
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19260
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19250
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19240
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19230
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19220
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19210
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19200
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19190
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19180
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19170
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19160
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19150
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19140
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19130
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19120
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19110
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19100
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19090
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19080
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19070
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19060
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19050
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19040
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19030
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19020
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19010
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19000
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18990
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18980
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18970
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18960
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18950
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18940
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18930
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18920
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18910
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18900
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18890
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18880
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18870
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18860
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18850
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18840
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18830
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18820
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18810
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18800
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000

American States Popularity Rankings for Kennedy

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#902021#1142022#1072023

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#1012021#1082022#1192023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#562021#732022#562023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#492021#722022#612023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#422021#552022#452023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#832021#822022#812023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#852021#762022#732023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#502021#702022#582023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#612021#612022#582023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#632021#832022#882023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#1292021#1272022#1472023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#482021#952022#732023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#692021#752022#512023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#512021#642022#542023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#1012021#1002022#1342023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#762021#782022#632023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#802021#772022#672023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#712021#762022#822023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#632021#782022#692023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#542021#1092022#802023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#452021#492022#532023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#612021#962022#922023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#822021#752022#932023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#652021#452022#602023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#1352021#982022#1132023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#772021#1072022#1042023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#602021#932022#912023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#392021#492022#442023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#1232021#1152022#1122023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#552021#1262022#852023

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#992021#702022#582023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#762021#1062022#682023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#992021#1112022#822023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#802021#872022#952023

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#922021#832022#852023

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#452021#382022#672023

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#542021#392022#472023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#772021#752022#912023

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#942021#272022#1252023

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#892020#1522021#2042022

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#1172021#682022#682023

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#992021#1042022#372023

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#152021#912022#1022023

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#582021#862022#672023

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#392021#642022#712023

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#1242020#1462022#2922023

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#1132019#1082020#612021

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#442021#522022#1172023

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#1292017#702018#912022

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#312019#362021#912023

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#242021#822022#352023

Popularity Rankings for Kennedy in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#1522021#1982022#2062023

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#2252021#3062022#2892023

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#3432019#3632021#4822023

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flagNorthern Ireland#3511998#3722004#4182022

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#8832021#9052022#8562023

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#9282006#8822007#9922020

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#9992003

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Kennedy a Name for Boys or Girls?

Kennedy is a gender-neutral name but is often used for girls. Its modern, strong, and versatile sound makes it suitable for any gender, though it has become increasingly popular for girls.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Kennedy

Kennedy in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • John F. Kennedy (Politician, 1917–1963): The 35th President of the United States, known for his leadership during the Cuban Missile Crisis and for establishing the Peace Corps.
  • Robert F. Kennedy (Politician, 1925–1968): An American politician and lawyer who served as the U.S. Attorney General and later as a U.S. Senator until his assassination.
  • Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (First Lady, 1929–1994): The First Lady of the United States as the wife of John F. Kennedy, known for her style and grace.
  • Ted Kennedy (Politician, 1932–2009): An American politician who served as a U.S. Senator from Massachusetts for nearly 47 years.
  • Rose Kennedy (Philanthropist, 1890–1995): An American philanthropist and the matriarch of the Kennedy family.
  • Kennedy Agyapong (Politician, born 1960): A Ghanaian politician and businessman who has served as a Member of Parliament for Assin Central.
  • Kennedy Burke (Basketball Player, born 1997): An American professional basketball player who has played in the WNBA.
  • Kennedy Summers (Model, born 1987): An American model and actress known for being Playboy's Playmate of the Year in 2014.
  • Kennedy McMann (Actress, born 1996): An American actress best known for her role as Nancy Drew in the television series "Nancy Drew."
  • Kennedy Meeks (Basketball Player, born 1995): An American professional basketball player who played college basketball for the North Carolina Tar Heels.
  • "The Kennedys" (2011 TV Miniseries): Chronicles the political and personal lives of the Kennedy family.
  • Cameron Kennedy ("My Babysitter's a Vampire," 2011 TV Series): A teenage boy who turns into a vampire after being bitten by his babysitter.
  • Kennedy McMann ("Nancy Drew," 2019 TV Series): Portrays the famous teenage detective solving mysteries in her hometown.
  • John F. Kennedy ("JFK," 1991 Film): A dramatization of the investigation into the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
  • Kennedy ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer," 1997 TV Series): A potential slayer who joins the Scooby Gang in their fight against evil.
  • "Kennedy" (1983 Miniseries): A biographical account of John F. Kennedy's presidency.
  • "Kennedy" (British Punk Band): Known for their energetic performances and rebellious music.
  • "Kennedy's Children" (1975 Play): Explores the lives of five characters who reflect on their experiences in the 1960s.
  • Kennedy ("Scandal," 2012 TV Series): A journalist who gets entangled in the political drama surrounding Olivia Pope.
  • "Kennedy and Heidi" ("The Sopranos," 2007 TV Episode): An episode focusing on Tony Soprano's challenges and choices.
  • "Kennedy's Brain" (2007 Novel by Henning Mankell): A mystery novel about a woman uncovering the truth behind her son's death.
  • Kennedy ("ER," 1994 TV Series): A recurring nurse character involved in various medical dramas.
  • Kennedy City (Minnesota, USA): A small city in Kittson County, known for its tight-knit community and agricultural economy.
  • Kennedy Space Center (Florida, USA): A major space launch facility on Merritt Island, famous for being the primary launch center of human spaceflight.
  • Kennedy Park (Lima, Peru): A popular urban park in the Miraflores district, known for its vibrant atmosphere and frequent cultural events.
  • Kennedy Town (Hong Kong): An area on the western end of Sai Wan on Hong Kong Island, known for its blend of old and new Hong Kong culture.
  • Kennedy River (British Columbia, Canada): A river on Vancouver Island, known for its scenic views and outdoor recreational activities.
  • Kennedy Range (Western Australia, Australia): A mountain range known for its rugged landscape and the Kennedy Range National Park.
  • Kennedy Bridge (Bonn, Germany): A bridge over the Rhine River, connecting the northern and southern parts of Bonn.
  • Kennedy Bay (Ontario, Canada): A bay on Lake Superior, known for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
  • Kennedy Town Swimming Pool (Hong Kong): A public swimming pool complex in Kennedy Town, known for its modern facilities and sea views.
  • Kennedy Township (Pennsylvania, USA): A township in Allegheny County, known for its suburban character and family-friendly environment.
  • Kennedy Plaza (Providence, USA): A central plaza in downtown Providence, Rhode Island, serving as a major public transit hub.

Similar Names to Kennedy

  • Kenneth
  • Kendra
  • Kendall
  • Kenzie
  • Kenna
  • Kendal
  • Kenley
  • Kensington
  • Keegan
  • Kenton
  • Harold
  • Hermann
  • Hugo
  • Roger
  • Raymond
  • Gerald
  • Bernard
  • Conrad
  • Ronald
  • Donald

Sibling Names for Kennedy

Parents Who Like the Name Kennedy Also Like

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Helen Doanna

Helen Doanna

Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

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Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher

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2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

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