Summary

The surname Kennedy originated in Ireland and is of Gaelic origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name Ó Cinnéide, meaning 'descendant of Cinnédidh'. The Kennedy clan is renowned for its prominence in Irish history and its status as one of the leading Gaelic noble families. The surname has since spread to other countries through Irish emigration.
There are
176865
Kennedys in the USA
Kennedy is the
146th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Kennedy

JohnF.

John F. Kennedy was the 35th President of the United States, serving from January 1961 until his assassination in November 1963. He is known for his charismatic leadership, advocacy for civil rights, and efforts to prevent nuclear war during the Cold War.

RobertF.

Robert F. Kennedy was an American politician and lawyer who served as the United States Attorney General from 1961 to 1964. He was also a Senator from New York and a prominent advocate for social justice and civil rights.

TedKennedy

Ted Kennedy was a prominent American politician and member of the Kennedy family. He served as a United States Senator from Massachusetts for nearly 47 years, from 1962 until his death in 2009. He was known for his commitment to progressive causes, including healthcare reform and civil rights.

JacquelineKennedy

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, also known as Jackie Kennedy, was the First Lady of the United States from 1961 to 1963. She was known for her elegance and style, as well as her efforts to preserve and restore historic buildings and landmarks in the United States.

CarolineKennedy

Caroline Kennedy is an American author and attorney who served as the United States Ambassador to Japan from 2013 to 2017. She is the daughter of John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and a member of the Kennedy family.

JohnF.

John F. Kennedy Jr. was an American lawyer, journalist, and magazine publisher. He was the son of John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. He co-founded George magazine and was known for his charisma and political aspirations.

JosephP.

Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. was an American businessman and politician. He was the father of President John F. Kennedy, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, and Senator Ted Kennedy. He played a significant role in the political rise of his sons and the Kennedy family's prominence in American politics.

EuniceKennedy

Eunice Kennedy Shriver was a member of the Kennedy family and an advocate for people with intellectual disabilities. She founded the Special Olympics and played a key role in advancing awareness and support for individuals with disabilities.

SargentShriver

Sargent Shriver was an American diplomat, politician, and activist who served as the first director of the Peace Corps. He was also the Democratic Party's nominee for Vice President of the United States in the 1972 election. He was married to Eunice Kennedy Shriver.

KathleenKennedy

Kathleen Kennedy Townsend is an American politician and attorney who served as the Lieutenant Governor of Maryland from 1995 to 2003. She is the eldest daughter of Robert F. Kennedy and a member of the Kennedy family.

Kennedy Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Kennedy' is of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic surname Ó Ceannéidigh, meaning 'descendant of Ceannéidigh.' The name Ceannéidigh is derived from the Gaelic word 'ceann,' meaning 'head' or 'chief.' The Kennedy clan has a long history in Irish history and is associated with the province of Ulster.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Kennedy' is primarily associated with Ireland and the United States. It is particularly common in County Tipperary and County Wexford in Ireland. In the United States, it is most commonly found in states with large Irish-American populations such as Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Kennedy' include O’Kennedy, O Sionnaigh, O Kennedy, and Ó Ceannaigh.
Migration and ImmigrationMany people with the surname 'Kennedy' emigrated from Ireland to the United States during periods of Irish migration, particularly during the Great Famine in the mid-19th century. The Kennedy family itself emigrated from Ireland to the United States in the 19th century and became one of the most prominent political families in American history.