Kennedy is a name of Irish origin and it means "helmeted chief." The name was originally an Irish surname that was derived from the Old Irish word "Cinneideach," which referred to a chief or leader with helmet or helmeted head. The name has been popular among Irish families for centuries, but it gained international recognition when it became associated with the American Kennedy family, who held prominent political positions in the United States during the mid-20th century.
The most famous member of the Kennedy clan is John F. Kennedy, who served as the 35th President of the United States from 1961 until his assassination in Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1963. He was the youngest person ever elected to the presidency at the age of 43, and he remains one of the most popular presidents in American history.
Kennedy's younger brother, Robert F. Kennedy, also served as a prominent politician, serving as the U.S. Attorney General under his brother's administration before being elected to the U.S. Senate from New York in 1964. He was assassinated while running for president himself in 1968.
Despite its association with the American political dynasty, Kennedy is not just an Irish name; it has also become popular among families of other ethnic backgrounds who appreciate its strong and regal connotations. Today, Kennedy remains a popular given name for boys and girls alike, and it continues to be associated with leadership, strength, and courage.
The name Kennedy experienced significant popularity fluctuations over the years, with a notable surge starting from the late 1980s. From just 5 births annually in the early years, it peaked at 4522 births in 2014 and remained high until recently, with 3069 births in 2023. Overall, there were 87,810 Kennedy babies born between 1957 and 2023.