Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Kennedy
GirlIrish· “descendant of Cinneide”
- Meaning
- descendant of Cinneide
- Origin
- Irish
- Pronunciation
- KEN-uh-dee
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #85
- US babies 2025
- 2,933
- Best rank
- #54 (2014)
- Peak year
- 2015
Meaning and origin of Kennedy
Kennedy is an Irish name that is usually said to mean “descendant of Cinneide”.
Kennedy comes from the Irish surname O Cinneide, meaning descendant of Cinneide. That personal name is usually explained as combining ceann, head, with a second element often read as armored or helmeted, although misshapen head is another traditional reading. The O Kennedy family was historically rooted in north Tipperary. As a first name it took off in the United States after President John F. Kennedy, and it has since become a popular choice for girls. It is bright and rhythmic. Kenny and Kenna are possible nicknames.
Popularity over time
Kennedy first appears in US Social Security records in 1957. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 32 different years, starting in 1994. Its best national rank was #54 in 2014, and the most babies received it in 2015, when 4,523 were named Kennedy. In 2025, 2,933 babies were named Kennedy, and it ranked #85 nationally. That is 35% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #11,174 in 1980, #139 in 2000, #111 in 2010, and #85 in 2025. Of the 93,663 US girls named Kennedy since records began, 41% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 27,569 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Annabelle, Genesis, Sadie, Piper, and Adeline.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kennedy ranked highest in New Hampshire, Wyoming, and Pennsylvania.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | #35 | 27 |
| Wyoming | #36 | 8 |
| Pennsylvania | #52 | 155 |
| North Carolina | #55 | 143 |
| Georgia | #55 | 132 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 96% of US babies named Kennedy over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Kennedy is usually pronounced KEN-uh-dee, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with K and ends in “-dy”.
Middle names for Kennedy
A few middle names that flow with Kennedy: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kennedy
Similar names
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fee-OH-nuh
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Briana Girl
bree-AH-nuh
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Makenna Girl
muh-KEN-uh
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uh-LAN-uh
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Mckinley Girl
muh-KIHN-lee
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Kennedi Girl
KEHN-uh-dee
“variant of Kennedy, 'helmeted head'” · Irish
#709
Lists that include Kennedy
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kennedy mean?
Kennedy is an Irish name that is usually said to mean “descendant of Cinneide”.
What is the origin of the name Kennedy?
Kennedy has Irish roots. Kennedy comes from the Irish surname O Cinneide, meaning descendant of Cinneide.
Is Kennedy a popular name?
Yes. Kennedy ranked #85 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Kennedy a boy or girl name?
Kennedy is mainly a girl's name. About 96% of US babies named Kennedy over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Kennedy?
Kennedy is usually pronounced KEN-uh-dee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings