name
Common
Kennedy
KEH-nuh-dee
Kennedy (name) means an Irish surname meaning "ugly head" or "helmeted head," famously borne by U.S. President John F. Kennedy; also used as a given name. Example: “The Kennedy family has long been prominent in American politics.”
name
1
An Irish surname meaning "ugly head" or "helmeted head," famously borne by U.S. President John F. Kennedy; also used as a given name.
"The Kennedy family has long been prominent in American politics."
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Word forms
- Plural
- Kennedys, Kennedies
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The _____ family has long been prominent in American politics.
Etymology
Borrowed either from Irish Ó Cinnéidigh, made up of ceann ("head") and éidigh ("ugly"), or from Scottish Gaelic Ceannaideach, made up of ceann ("head") and aideach ("ugly"). Compare Kenneth and Irish eitigh ("refuse, reject").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for Kennedy
See all rhymes for Kennedy →Frequently asked questions
What does “Kennedy” mean?
The word “Kennedy” means an Irish surname meaning "ugly head" or "helmeted head," famously borne by U.S. President John F. Kennedy; also used as a given name.
How do you pronounce “Kennedy”?
“Kennedy” is pronounced KEH-nuh-dee (/ˈkɛnədi/ in IPA).
How do you use “Kennedy” in a sentence?
Here is “Kennedy” used in a sentence: “The Kennedy family has long been prominent in American politics.”
What part of speech is “Kennedy”?
“Kennedy” is a name.
Is “Kennedy” a common word?
“Kennedy” is a fairly common word in modern English.
Is "Kennedy" a first name or a surname?
Kennedy began as an Irish surname but is now widely used as a given name for both girls and boys, especially in the United States. As a first name it grew in popularity partly through association with the Kennedy political family.
What is the origin of the surname "Kennedy"?
Kennedy is an Irish surname, anglicised from the Gaelic form and traditionally explained as meaning "helmeted head" or "ugly head." It is one of the more common surnames of Irish origin.
Who is the most famous person named "Kennedy"?
The name is most widely associated with John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States. The wider Kennedy family has been prominent in American public life.
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