Kennedy: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced KEN-uh-dee · 3 syllables
Kennedy means “helmeted chief”, from Irish.
Borrowed from Irish O Cinneidigh (ceann (“head”) + eidigh (“ugly”)) or Scottish Gaelic Ceannaideach (ceann (“head”) + aideach (“ugly”). Compare Kenneth and Irish eitigh (“refuse, reject”).
- Meaning
- helmeted chief
- Origin
- Irish
- Pronunciation
- KEN-uh-dee
- US rank (2025)
- #85
- US babies a year
- about 3,183 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 2010
How popular is Kennedy?
Kennedy was the #85 name in the US in 2025, given to 3,019 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 2010.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #85 |
| England & Wales | #993 |
| Scotland | #765 |
| Ireland | #846 |
| Canada | #338 |
| Australia | #239 |
How old are people named Kennedy?
Half of US adults named Kennedy are older than 24; most are between 18 and 38. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Kennedy
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Kennedy have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like Kennedy
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Kennedy
What does the name Kennedy mean?
Kennedy means “helmeted chief”. It comes from Irish.
How do you pronounce Kennedy?
Kennedy is pronounced KEN-uh-dee.
How popular is the name Kennedy?
Kennedy was the #85 name in the US in 2025, given to 3,019 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 2010.
How old are people named Kennedy?
Half of US adults named Kennedy are older than 24. Most are between 18 and 38.