Surname Kennedy - Meaning and Origin
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X. Kennedy
read moreKennedy: What does the surname Kennedy mean?
The last name Kennedy originated from Ireland and is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name "Ó Ceannéidigh." It means "descendant of Ceannéidigh" - "ceann" means "head" and "éidigh" translates to "ugly" or "wizened" in English. Thus, a loose interpretation could be "ugly head" or "wizened head." It often refers to someone who is clever, wise, or knowledgeable due to their age. The name has a distinguished history, most associated globally with the prominent American political family, the Kennedys. While many bearers of the last name may not have direct lineage, it has been adopted widely over centuries in several countries, creating a diverse diaspora of 'Kennedys'. Notwithstanding its description-like origin, the name now symbolizes strength, leadership, and charisma. It is not necessary to attribute the literal original meaning to the name today, as the evolution of language and cultural significance has also changed drastically.
Order DNA origin analysisKennedy: Where does the name Kennedy come from?
The surname Kennedy has Irish origins, coming from the Gaelic name Ó Ceanéidigh, meaning "descendant of Ceanéidigh." The name Ceanéidigh itself is derived from the Gaelic words "ceann," meaning head, and "éidigh," meaning ugly or wizened. Therefore, the surname roughly means "ugly or wizened head." The name was originally used by a prominent Irish family who held a family seat in County Tipperary, Ireland, before the Anglo-Norman invasion in 1172.
Many members of the Kennedy family emigrated to America, Canada, and other countries during the Great Irish Famine in the 19th century. Some of the most famous Kennedys in the United States include President John F. Kennedy and his brothers Robert and Edward, who also served in U.S. politics.
Today, the surname is common in many English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States and Ireland. It's often associated with the prominent political Kennedy family in the USA, but you'll find people named Kennedy all over the world. Despite its original meaning, the name Kennedy is often associated with strength and power, likely due to its prominent bearers.
Variations of the surname Kennedy
Kennedy is a primarily Irish surname with its roots in Gaelic culture. In its original form, it was written as Ó’Ceanéidigh or Ó Cinnéidigh, meaning "descendant of Ceanéidigh". Kennedy is related to the first name Kenneth, which was anglicized from Ceanéidigh. As with many surnames, it has been subject to changes in spelling over centuries.
Variants and similar spellings include: Kennedie, Kenneday, Kenneady, Kennadi, and Kennady. Sometimes, the prefix 'O'' is added, creating O'Kennedy. Some surnames of similar origins include MacKennedy (son of Kennedy) and Kennedee.
Despite being Irish in origin, the surname Kennedy is also found in Scotland due to historic links and migrations between the two countries. Some Scottish variants may include Kenedy and Kenady.
Remember the diversity of spelling is often due to variations and changes in the spelling rules in different eras and regions, and mistakes made by immigration officials and census enumerators. Therefore, when researching a family tree, it's important to consider all possible variations of the surname Kennedy.
Famous people with the name Kennedy
- John F. Kennedy: 35th President of the USA.
- Robert F. Kennedy: Former U.S. Attorney General, Senator.
- Edward M. "Ted" Kennedy: Former U.S. Senator.
- Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis: Former First Lady.
- John F. Kennedy Jr.: Lawyer, journalist, son of John F. Kennedy.
- Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy: Wife of John F. Kennedy Jr.
- Bobby Kennedy Jr.: Environmental activist, son of Robert F. Kennedy.
- Patrick J. Kennedy: Former U.S. Representative, son of Ted Kennedy.
- Kerry Kennedy: Human rights activist and writer, daughter of Robert F. Kennedy.
- Rose Kennedy: Matriarch of the Kennedy family.
- Joseph P. Kennedy Sr.: Businessman, diplomat, father of John F. Kennedy.
- Joseph P. Kennedy II: Businessman, politician, eldest son of Robert F. Kennedy.
- Maria Shriver: Journalist, author, former First Lady of California, daughter of Eunice Kennedy Shriver.
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver: Founder of Special Olympics, sister to John F. Kennedy.
- Jean Kennedy Smith: Diplomat, activist, sister to John F. Kennedy.
- Kathleen Kennedy Townsend: Former Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, eldest child of Robert F. Kennedy.
- Christopher G. Kennedy: Businessman, son of Robert F. Kennedy.
- Ethel Kennedy: Widow of Robert F. Kennedy.
- Caroline Kennedy: Diplomat, author, daughter of John F. Kennedy.
- Arnold Schwarzenegger: Actor, former Governor of California, married to Maria Shriver.