The name Kennedy is of Irish origin and is derived from the surname that comes from the Gaelic word "Cinn tSaoir," which translates to "descendant of the brave chief." The name has a rich history, with its most notable association being the influential Kennedy family in American politics.
The Kennedy family's rise to prominence began with Joseph P. Kennedy Sr., who served as the U.S. Ambassador to Britain during Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration. His son, John F. Kennedy, later became the 35th President of the United States, serving from 1961 until his assassination in 1963. The family has since remained prominent in American politics, with several members holding political offices at various levels.
The name Kennedy has also gained popularity as a given name for both boys and girls in recent decades. While it still carries the historical weight of its association with the influential political family, it is also seen as a strong, confident, and sophisticated name choice. The name Kennedy has been used by parents looking to give their children a powerful and memorable name with a rich history behind it.
In summary, Kennedy is an Irish surname-turned-given-name that carries a historical significance due to its association with the influential Kennedy family in American politics. Despite this connection, the name stands on its own as a strong and confident choice for both boys and girls, with its meaning of "descendant of the brave chief" adding to its appeal.
The name Kennedy experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the past century. Initially, it was quite uncommon with fewer than 8 births per year from 1912 to 1956. However, beginning in 1957, its popularity surged dramatically, reaching a peak of 25 births in 1957 and maintaining high levels throughout the 1960s, with numbers ranging from 85 to 229 births per year. This trend continued into the 1970s, although at a lower rate, with births fluctuating between 17 and 42 annually. The name's popularity began to decline in the late 1970s and early 1980s, dropping to around 20 to 60 births per year. Since then, Kennedy has remained moderately popular, with birth numbers ranging from 33 to 185 per year, totaling approximately 7272 births over the past century.