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 given statistics show the annual number of births with the name Kennedy in the United States from 1912 to 2023. Over this period, there have been a total of 7,272 babies named Kennedy.
The name Kennedy started off slowly, with only 5 births recorded in 1912. However, it gained popularity over time, reaching a significant peak in the 1960s. In 1960, there were 117 births, and this number continued to rise, reaching 229 births in 1964.
After the 1960s, the popularity of the name Kennedy fluctuated but remained relatively high. It experienced another peak in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with 79 births in 1989 and 142 births in 1994.
In recent years, the number of babies named Kennedy has stabilized, with around 100-150 births per year from 2010 to 2023. As of 2023, there have been 104 births recorded with the name Kennedy.
These statistics demonstrate how the popularity of the name Kennedy has evolved over time in the United States, with periods of significant growth and decline. Despite these fluctuations, Kennedy remains a popular choice for parents, with a consistent number of babies being named Kennedy each year.