Kennedy

Meaning & Origin

Meaning: Helmeted Chief; Descendant of Ceanndidh

Background: The name Kennedy originates from the Gaelic surname 'Ceannéidigh,' which means 'descendant of Ceanndidh.' The components 'ceann' meaning 'head' or 'chief,' and 'didh' meaning 'brave' or 'fierce,' combine to denote 'helmeted chief.'

At a glance

Quick stats based on the history of this name.

Lifetime rank
#399
Total births
98,080
Most popular decade
2010s (120,258 births)
10-year trend
↓ Falling (-35 ranks)
Years in Top 100
14
First recorded year
1912

Gender usage

7.5% male 92.5% female

Stats by gender

Male

First year
1912
First year births
5
First year rank
#2,544
Peak year
1964
Peak year births
229
Peak rank
#515
Most recent year
2024
Recent year births
95
Recent rank
#1,726

Female

First year
1957
First year births
5
First year rank
#6,086
Peak year
2015
Peak year births
4,522
Peak rank
#58
Most recent year
2024
Recent year births
2,881
Recent rank
#89

Births over time

Number of babies given this name each year.

Rank over time

Popularity rank by year (1 = most popular).

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