Declining since 2015, #85 for girls today.
Popularity of Kennedy since 1912
Babies named Kennedy per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 0 | 51 |
| 1920s | 0 | 91 |
| 1930s | 0 | 62 |
| 1940s | 0 | 102 |
| 1950s | 5 | 186 |
| 1960s | 16 | 1,129 |
| 1970s | 23 | 250 |
| 1980s | 126 | 464 |
| 1990s | 8,552 | 1,274 |
| 2000s | 27,569 | 1,714 |
| 2010s | 38,593 | 1,497 |
| 2020s | 18,779 | 637 |
Meaning & origin
Kennedy is a surname-turned-first-name that entered U.S. birth records in 1957 and has since become a popular unisex choice. Though originally an Irish surname meaning 'helmeted head,' its modern use was propelled by the Kennedy political dynasty, especially President John F. Kennedy. As a given name, it saw its greatest popularity in 2015 (peak year) when it ranked 79th, but it has been gradually declining, falling to 85th place in 2025. With 1 in 548 babies receiving the name that year, it remains widely used, particularly in states like Wyoming, New Hampshire, and Delaware. The name's trajectory shows a falling trend since 2015, reflecting a shift away from peak popularity for many surname-style names. While primarily given to girls, Kennedy retains strong unisex appeal, helped by the familiarity of the Kennedy family name. Its crisp sound and political associations give it a sturdy, established feel.
Kennedy is an anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Cinnéidigh, meaning 'descendant of Cennéidigh,' a personal name composed of 'cenn' meaning 'head' and 'éidigh' meaning 'helmeted' or 'ugly.' The surname is historically associated with the ruling dynasty of the Kingdom of Ormond and with the Kennedy family of Dunure in Scotland. As a given name, it gained prominence in the United States during the 20th century, particularly after the political career of President John F. Kennedy, and has since become a popular unisex name.
Where Kennedy is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Kennedy” around the world
Where Kennedy lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
New Zealand
10
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kenna, Kenz, Kenny, K.D.
Sibling names for Kennedy
Names that share Kennedy's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Reagan, Addison, Madison, Morgan, Harper, Madelyn, Legacy, Macie, Adison, Audri, Cydney, Madisen, Makenzi, Mallori, Mckinzie, Addisen, Adisyn, Atalie, Baillie, Breannah, Emersynn, Hailley, Karaline, Kloie, Malarie, Mckensie, Mckenzee, Nataley, Paytyn, Allizon, Allysson, Brooklen, Cassadee, Hennessey, Kaisey, Kendelle, Kendle, Keyly, Legacee, Raeleigh, Raygan, Breeley, Cambelle, Delainy, Heilyn, Kaysey, Kenndra, Kiylee, Lexandra, Mackenzey, Madissen, Mckyla, Stassi
Brothers: Carter, Brady, Dylan, Logan, Parker, Braden, Jefferson, Landon, Brodie, Destin, Jaydon, Kylen, Landyn, Lawson, Tylor, Brison, Dameon, Eason, Graysen, Henderson, Iverson, Jakoby, Kayleb, Mcarthur, Ryatt, Torrence, Brevin, Davidson, Donovon, Hesston, Kendon, Kenner, Braycen, Cammeron, Caydon, Daesean, Keaston, Macklen, Mcguire, Taison, Ayren, Braedin, Daison, Kayston, Kden, Kharson, Maxxon, Mclaren, Sladen, Traycen
Names like Kennedy
Names whose popularity has moved with Kennedy's over the last 50 years.
