Kennedy is a distinctive girls' name in England & Wales, ranking #1584 in 2025 with 19 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 1997 with 91 births ranking #357. Since 1996, the popularity has decreased by 78.7%. In 2025, approximately 1 in every 13,331 girls born was named Kennedy. STABLE Recent data shows the name is currently stable.
Kennedy is an energetic surname name usually explained as 'helmeted chief'. It feels confident and contemporary while carrying a strong Irish background.
Originally a surname, Kennedy moved into first-name use through the broader fashion for Irish and surname-style names. Its rise for girls reflects the appeal of names that sound strong and polished.