Surname Kenedy - Meaning and Origin

Kenedy: What does the surname Kenedy mean?

The surname Kenedy is an Anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Cinnéide, which means “descendant of Cinnéidigh,” or Kennedigh – “the son of a great chief.” This ancient name harkens back to the founders of the Scots-Irish Kenedy clan, a prominent and powerful ancient Irish dynasty.

The Kenedys have a unique legacy and an illustrious ancestry. This is a clan that has long been renowned for their immense wealth, bravery, and decades of service in the military. This history is held by all who share the Kenedy surname.

The Kenedys have a rich and varied genealogy. This proud legacy includes a strong connection to many famous Irish figures. For instance, legendary rebel leader Robert Emmet was a cousin of the Kenedys. The Kenedys also have strong ties to the O'Connells and O'Neills – families of historical significance, political power, and authoritarian standing.

Modern Kenedys continue to honor their proud name. Those who share the Kenedy surname continue to be leaders in the fields of politics, business, and science. They are regularly involved in altruistic efforts and acts of philanthropy.

The last name Kenedy has a strong legacy and far-reaching influence. Throughout the generations, members of the Kenedy family have proudly upheld their commitment to their clan, honoring their ancestors while also making their own mark in the world.

Kenedy: Where does the name Kenedy come from?

The last name Kennedy is found primarily in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada. In the United States, the Kennedy surname is the 236th most common last name. It is particularly common in Massachusetts (17th most common), Rhode Island (29th most common), New York (44th most common), Pennsylvania (47th most common), and Connecticut (62nd most common).

The Kennedy surname is also found in Ireland, where it is the 181st most common last name, particularly in County Galway. The presence of the Kennedy name in Ireland can be traced back to the 11th century when there were several branches of the same family living in different parts of the country.

Outside of North America and Ireland, the Kennedy name is also found in the United Kingdom, particularly in Scotland (224th most common). The Kennedy name is also found in Australia and New Zealand, as well as other countries in Europe.

Variations of the surname Kenedy

The surname Kenedy, or the alternate spelling "Kennedy," is a surname of Anglo-Irish origin derived from the Gaelic surname “Ó Cinnéidigh” which means “son of Cennétig.” The name Cennétig is derived from cenn (meaning “head” or “chief”) and oed (meaning “shape”).

The most common surname variants are Kenney, Kenny, Kinnidy, Cenidy, Kenedie, Kenedey, Kennidy, Kendy, Kinneedy, Kinnedy, and Kynedy. Other surnames of the same origin include Carson, Kenyan, Keyney, MacKennedy, MacKinney, and O’Kenedy.

Kenedy is also a surname in its own right, and is present among individuals with Spanish and/or Portuguese heritage. The name is derived from the archaic Spanish version of the surname—Quenedy—which is itself derived from the Spanish given name Quenente.

Kenedy, and its related variants, can also be found as first names, particularly in Ireland, the United States, and Australia. Variations of this name include Ken(n)edie, Ken(n)edi, Kennedy, Kennidee, and Kenndey. In some cases, Kenedy is also spelled as Kenady or Kenda.

Overall, the name Kenedy and its many variants are derived from the Gaelic “Ó Cinnéidigh” which can be translated to mean “son of the chief.” The name can be found among those of Irish, Spanish, and Portuguese heritage, and is also used as a first name.

Famous people with the name Kenedy

• John F. Kennedy- 35th President of the United States of America
• Robert F. Kennedy- American politician who served as the 64th United States Attorney General
• Joseph P. Kennedy Sr.- American businessman, investor, and political figure
• Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy- Matriarch of the Kennedy family
• Eunice Kennedy Shriver- Founded the Special Olympics
• Joseph P. Kennedy Jr.- American Navy lieutenant and pilot
• Patrick J. Kennedy- Former U.S. Representative from Rhode Island
• Jean Kennedy Smith- United States Ambassador to Ireland
• Ted Kennedy- U.S. Senator from Massachusetts
• Kathleen Kennedy Townsend- Political figure and the former Lieutenant Governor of Maryland
• Robert F. Kennedy Jr.- American environmental attorney, activist, and author
• Timothy P. Shriver- Chairman and CEO of the Special Olympics
• Maria Shriver- American journalist and author
• Edward M. Kennedy Jr.- American attorney and businessman
• Kara Kennedy- Daughter of the late Senator Ted Kennedy

Other surnames

Kenedie