The Name

The name “Kennedy” is derived from the Celtic/Gaelic Ceannaideach or Cinneidigh. One definition is “head of tribe or clan.” Other definitions are not so flattering: “grim-headed” and “big-headed” are among them.

The name has many spellings, including (but not limited to):

Canaday
Kennady
Kenady
Cannaday
Kanaday

The variations apparently result from several causes: unfamiliar ears hearing the Scots brogue, emigration to foreign lands and conversion to other languages, and, sometimes, personal preference.