Kennedy surname: meaning and origin
Kennedy means helmeted head (ceann, head, and éide, armour). It is a native Gaelic Irish family from Tipperary and Clare.
| Irish form | Ó Cinnéide |
|---|---|
| Meaning | helmeted head (ceann, head, and éide, armour) |
| Home region | Tipperary and Clare (Munster) |
| Origin | Gaelic |
| Variants | Kinneady |
History of the Kennedy name
The Kennedys were a Dál gCais family in north Tipperary. The name is also found in Scotland, where it has a separate origin.
More surnames from Munster
- Barryde Barra · from Barry
- O'BrienÓ Briain · descendant of Brian
- CahillÓ Cathail · descendant of Cathal
- O'CallaghanÓ Ceallacháin · descendant of Ceallachán
- McCarthyMac Cárthaigh · son of Cárthach
- CaseyÓ Cathasaigh · descendant of Cathasach
Frequently asked questions
What does the surname Kennedy mean?
Kennedy (Irish: Ó Cinnéide) means helmeted head (ceann, head, and éide, armour).
What is the Irish spelling of Kennedy?
The Irish-language form of Kennedy is Ó Cinnéide.
Where is the surname Kennedy from?
Kennedy is a native Gaelic Irish family, associated with Tipperary and Clare in Munster.
What are other spellings of Kennedy?
Related spellings and forms include Kinneady.