Surname · Irish origin
Kennedy
Meaning
The surname Kennedy means Helmeted head.
Origin
Irish
Type
patronymic
The origin of the surname Kennedy
Kennedy comes from Ó Cinnéide, “descendant of the helmeted (or ugly) head.”
What kind of surname is Kennedy?
Kennedy is a patronymic surname, derived from a father's or ancestor's given name. It belongs to the Irish naming tradition — you can read how Irish surnames were formed on our Irish last names page.
Other Irish surnames
Other patronymic surnames
Family names formed the same way, from different cultures.
Frequently asked questions
What does the surname Kennedy mean?
The surname Kennedy means Helmeted head. Kennedy comes from Ó Cinnéide, “descendant of the helmeted (or ugly) head.”
Where does the surname Kennedy come from?
Kennedy is a surname of Irish origin.
What kind of surname is Kennedy?
Kennedy is a patronymic surname, derived from a father's or ancestor's given name.
What are other Irish surnames?
Other Irish surnames include Boyle, Brennan, Byrne, Callaghan, Connolly, Daly.