​
​
Advanced Search

Alternatives to Kennedy

  1. Addison

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "son of Adam"

    • Description:

      Newly fashioned but familiar and with an on trend, unisex feel, Addison seems like the perfect solution for anyone who can’t decide between Madison, Adeline, and Alison.
  2. Burgundy

    • Origin:

      French place-name; also color name

    • Description:

      It's a place. It's a wine. It's a color. -- no wonder trend-heavy Burgundy's been discovered as a name.
  3. Campbell

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "crooked mouth"

    • Description:

      This unisex name, the seventh most popular surname in Scotland, can make a more unusual Cameron alternative. It is represented on the girls' side by TV news correspondent Campbell Brown, for whom it was a family name, Brown was born Alma Dale Campbell, Alma Dale being her grandmother's name,and Campbell her mother's maiden name.
  4. Canary

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "small bird"

    • Description:

      The name of a small yellow bird that hasn't taken off in the way that some of its avian sisters – like Robin, Wren or Lark – have.
  5. Candy

    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Candace

    • Description:

      Too sugary sweet and inconsequential for a modern girl.
  6. Caroline

    • Origin:

      French, feminine variation of Charles

    • Meaning:

      "free man"

    • Description:

      Caroline is a perennial classic, one of the elite group of girls' names that's ALWAYS ranked among the Top 1000 and that's been in the Top 100 since 1994. Elegant yet strong, Caroline calls to mind the Kennedy Camelot years and Princess Caroline of Monaco.
  7. Carson

    • Origin:

      English and Scottish surname

    • Meaning:

      "son of the marsh dwellers"

    • Description:

      Very popular surname choice — it's in the Boys' Top 100 — beginning to catch on for girls. First female association: novelist Carson McCullers.
  8. Cassidy

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "curly-haired"

    • Description:

      Has fallen off its Kathie Lee Gifford inspired peak in the 1990s, but since that notably celebrity baby is now a grownup and out of the limelight, Cassidy may once again reclaim its own Irish charm.
  9. Connery

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "warrior-lord"

    • Description:

      Irish surname-names are hugely popular for girls in the US these days, with Riley and Kennedy ranking high on the official popularity lists. Connery is uncommon, but certainly attractive and usable.
  10. Delaney

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "dark challenger; dark river"

    • Description:

      Delaney has been a popular surname-style choice since 90s, when it joined other Irish surnames such as Cassidy, Kennedy, and Mallory on the US Charts. Buoyant, bright, and cheerful, it ranks in the US Top 250 and is given to nearly 1300 babies every year.
  11. Ebony

    • Origin:

      English

    • Description:

      An attractive and now underused nature name belonging to a tree whose wood is prized for its dark color and dense texture, which shines when polished. Ebony joined the most popular girl names list in the US in the early 1970s, peaked in 1982 at #132, and dropped back below the Top 1000 in 2006.
  12. Elodie

    • Origin:

      French, variation of Alodia, German

    • Meaning:

      "foreign riches"

    • Description:

      The lyrical and melodious Elodie, a Nameberry favorite, is starting to rise through the US popularity charts for the first time since the 1880s. It's a uncommon member of the trending El- family of names, which includes Ella, Eloise, and Eleanor.
  13. Emerson

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "son of Emery"

    • Description:

      The combination of Emily and Emma's popularity -- and the fact that Desperate Housewives star Teri Hatcher's daughter is named Emerson -- have put this formerly strictly boys’ name, embodying the gravitas of Ralph Waldo Emerson, in the limelight for girls.
  14. Faraday

    • Origin:

      Scottish surname

    • Meaning:

      "wood man"

    • Description:

      Faraday is a whimsical Scottish surname that works equally well as a first name for girls or boys.
  15. February

    • Origin:

      Word name or Latin

    • Meaning:

      "purification feast"

    • Description:

      If January, April and August are useable and fashionable, why not February? February as a word derives from the Latin februa, which was the name of a purification feast coming at the end of winter, to prepare for the coming spring.
  16. Flannery

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "descendant of Flannghal"

    • Description:

      Long before the vogue of using Irish surnames for girls, writer Flannery O'Connor gave this one some visibility. It has a warm (flannelly) feel and the currently popular three-syllable ee-ending sound.
  17. Hennessy

    • Origin:

      Irish surname name

    • Description:

      Hennessy has attracted some notice as a first name via rapper Cardi B's sister Hennessy Carolina. It certainly has a pretty sound and can hold its own with the new generation of Irish names for girls that originated as surnames, such as Kennedy, McKenna, and Riley. Hennessy is also the brand name of a cognac, which is how Cardi B got her stage name -- her nickname was Bacardi.
  18. Ivory

    • Origin:

      Word name

    • Meaning:

      "hard, white material from the tusks and teeth of animals; pale, white"

    • Description:

      Ivory was last popular a hundred years ago. In 2013, it finally began to regain some momentum in the female rankings, reentering the Top 1000.
  19. Jacqueline

    • Origin:

      French, feminine diminutive of Jacques

    • Meaning:

      "supplanter"

    • Description:

      Jacqueline originated as a feminine form of Jacques, the French variation of James, and therefore Jacob. Jacob was ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Ya’aqov, and gets its meaning, "supplanter" from the story of Jacob supplanting his brother Esau as the first-born son in the Bible. Jacqueline was first used in France in the Middle Ages.
  20. Kassidy

    • Origin:

      Variation of Cassidy

    • Description:

      Like Cassidy, Kassidy peaked near the turn of the millennium and has lost ground in recent years.
  21. Kehlani

    • Origin:

      Hawaiian

    • Meaning:

      "sea and sky"

    • Description:

      This name first entered the US Top 1000 in 2016, probably because of R&B singer Kehlani, whose full name is Kehlani Ashley Parrish. It was the fastest-rising girls' name of the year. Kehlani may be a variation of Kalani. Hawaiian or Hawaiian like names are particularly popular for girls, with the lani suffix appending to a range of prefixes.
  22. Kelechi

    • Origin:

      Igbo

    • Meaning:

      "glorify God"

    • Description:

      A common unisex name in Nigeria. Kerry Washington used it as the middle name for her son Caleb.
  23. Kelila

    • Origin:

      Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "laurel, crown"

    • Description:

      Kelila, which can also be spelled Kelilah, is a more distinctive and attractive Kayla relative.
  24. Kelula

    • Description:

      Kelula is a rare and exotic feminine name with uncertain origins. It may be derived from various cultural sources, possibly having Hawaiian or African roots where melodic names with alternating consonants and vowels are common. The name has a rhythmic, flowing quality that evokes images of natural beauty and grace. Kelula remains extremely uncommon in most countries, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a unique name that carries a soft, melodious sound. Its rarity means that a child named Kelula would likely be the only one in her social circles, giving her a name as individual as she is.

  25. Kelynen

    • Origin:

      Cornish

    • Meaning:

      "holly"

    • Description:

      Related to the Welsh name Celyn (and ultimately a distant cousin of the English word Holly), this makes a rare and modern-sounding nature name. Outside of Cornwall, it may be a struggle keeping the stress on the second syllable.
  26. Kemari

    • Description:

      Kemari is a melodic feminine name with diverse cultural resonances. It may derive from Japanese origins, where 'kemari' refers to an ancient ball-kicking game similar to hacky sack, traditionally played at imperial courts. Alternatively, it could be a creative modern coinage combining elements like 'Kem' and 'Mari' or inspired by variations of names like Kamari or Kamaria, which have African roots meaning 'moonlight' in Swahili. The name has a contemporary feel with its flowing vowel sounds and distinctive rhythm. Though relatively uncommon in mainstream usage, Kemari has gained some popularity in recent decades as parents seek unique names with interesting sounds. Its multicultural potential and modern appeal make it attractive to parents looking for something distinctive yet accessible.
  27. Kendall

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "valley of the river Kent"

    • Description:

      Kendall, as used for a girl, was initially propelled by a soap opera character (Sarah Michelle Gellar as Kendall Hart in All My Children) and reality star and Kardashian sister Kendall Jenner.
  28. Kendera

    • Description:

      Kendera is a modern feminine name that appears to blend elements of popular names like Kendra and Kendall with a melodious ending. This inventive name emerged likely in the late 20th century, riding the wave of 'Ken-' prefix names that gained popularity in American naming culture. Though extremely rare with minimal historical documentation, Kendera exemplifies contemporary naming trends that favor distinctive variations of more familiar names. The name has a rhythmic quality with its three-syllable structure and flowing 'a' ending that follows naming patterns popular in various cultural traditions. Parents might be drawn to Kendera for its uniqueness while appreciating its connection to more established names. The 'Ken' beginning can be associated with Scottish roots meaning 'handsome' or 'born of fire,' giving the name subtle depth despite its modern creation.
  29. Kendra

    • Origin:

      Feminization of Kenneth or English

    • Meaning:

      "handsome or knowing"

    • Description:

      Kendra was once seen as a feminization of Kenneth -- but it's now firmly established as a standalone. American parents can't seem to make up their mind about it though: it was one of 2013's fastest-rising names, entering the Top 200 for the first time since 2000, but then it tumbled again.
  30. Kendria

    • Description:

      Kendria is a feminine name likely developed as a variation of Kendra, which itself originated as a feminine form of Kenneth. Kenneth comes from Scottish and Irish Gaelic origins meaning 'handsome' or 'born of fire.' The addition of the '-ia' suffix gives Kendria a more flowing, elaborate quality compared to Kendra. This name emerged in the late 20th century as part of the trend toward creating variations of established names with additional syllables and softer endings. While not among the most popular names, Kendria appeals to parents seeking a name that sounds familiar yet distinctive. The name carries associations of strength and beauty, with a modern feel that still connects to traditional naming patterns. Its melodic quality and balanced structure make it both memorable and accessible.
  31. Kenley

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "well-known clearing"

    • Description:

      Kenley is an area in the burrough of Croydon in South London, making this a place name in a couple of senses of the term. Kenley and its twin sister Kenlee may be favored by parents looking to name a daughter after dad Ken...or Lee.
  32. Kenna

    • Origin:

      Scottish, feminine form of Kenneth

    • Description:

      Kenna is the Scottish version of Kendra, both of which are feminine versions of Kenneth. Used in the TV show Reign for one of the supporting characters.
  33. Kensington

    • Origin:

      Place name

    • Description:

      Kensington is a place name with a number of referents; there are cities by the name in Australia, Canada, South Africa, the UK, and the US. As a girls' name, it entered the US Top 1000 in 2015, likely as a fresher way to get to nickname Kensie/Kenzie than Mackenzie, Mckenzie, or Makenzie.
  34. Kenya

    • Origin:

      Place name, Kikuyu

    • Meaning:

      "mountain of white"

    • Description:

      Kenya, a name borrowed from the East African nation and theoretically unisex, is now used mostly for girls. While it's had its ups and downs since entering the US Top 1000 in 1968, it currently ranks lower than spelling variant Kenia.
  35. Kerensa

    • Origin:

      Cornish

    • Meaning:

      "love"

    • Description:

      Kerensa, forever romantic, is a rare Cornish name spelled with an 's' or 'z', the most modern of the Karen family. Kerensa (or Kerenza) has ties to the Welsh Cerys.
  36. Kerenza

    • Description:

      Kerenza is a feminine name of Cornish origin meaning 'love' or 'charity.' This beautiful yet uncommon name comes from Cornwall in southwestern England, reflecting the distinct Celtic heritage of the region. The name has a flowing, melodic quality with its three syllables and soft 'z' sound. Despite its appealing meaning and sound, Kerenza remains relatively rare outside of Cornwall and among those with Cornish heritage. For those seeking a name with Celtic roots that's less common than popular options like Keira or Kerry, Kerenza offers a distinctive choice. The name carries warm associations through its meaning of love and compassion, while its unusual status gives it a special quality for those who bear it.

  37. Keresen

    • Origin:

      Cornish

    • Meaning:

      "cherry"

    • Description:

      A subtle Cornish fruit name meaning "cherry." Keresen has only been in use as a name in recent years, following the Cornish trend of adopting names from the dictionary.
  38. Kerrigan

    • Origin:

      Irish surname

    • Meaning:

      "son of Ciaragán"

    • Description:

      An attractive Irish surname that is used more often among girls — likely due to the feminine associations with Kerry.
  39. Kerrington

    • Origin:

      English from French

    • Meaning:

      "of Carenton"

    • Description:

      A lively unisex surname name ultimately derived from a French place name.
  40. Ketura

    • Description:

      Ketura is a feminine name of Hebrew origin, derived from Keturah, the name of Abraham's second wife in the Bible. The name means 'incense' or 'fragrance,' symbolizing something pleasing and sacred. While relatively uncommon in modern usage, it carries a timeless quality and spiritual significance. Ketura offers a unique biblical option that isn't as widely used as other Hebrew names, appealing to parents seeking names with religious connections and distinctive sounds. The name's gentle pronunciation and meaningful heritage make it an elegant choice with historical depth while remaining accessible for contemporary use.
  41. Keyara

    • Description:

      Keyara is a contemporary feminine name that likely draws from multiple sources. It may be a variant spelling of Kiara (which has roots in both Irish and Italian, meaning 'dark' or 'little dark one') or Keira (Irish, 'dark-haired'). Alternatively, it could combine the popular 'Key-' prefix with '-ara,' an ending found in names like Tara, Sara, and Clara. The name first appeared with notable frequency in U.S. naming records in the 1990s and early 2000s. Keyara has a melodious quality with its alternating consonants and vowels. As with many modern names, its appeal likely stems from its distinctive sound and contemporary feel rather than specific etymological meanings. The name continues to be used but remains relatively uncommon.
  42. Kingston

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "king's town"

    • Description:

      The capital of Jamaica is also a popular name for American baby boys, but child actress Kingston Foster is a notable female bearer.
  43. Laramy

    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Laramie

    • Description:

      Laramie is a Western place-name with French origins that is growing in use for both genders-- it's currently two to one in favor of the female side-- the Laramy spelling is rarely used. There were fewer than five babies of either sex named Laramy in 2020. It might also be considered a smoosh name, a blend of Larry and Amy.
  44. Mackenley
    • Madicken

      • Origin:

        Literary name; Swedish

      • Description:

        Swedish author Astrid Lindgren used this nickname for the eponymous character in her children's novel Madicken. In the book, it's a nickname for Margareta, but Lindgren took the idea from her childhood friend Ann-Marie, whose nickname was Madicken.
    • Madigan

      • Origin:

        Irish

      • Meaning:

        "little dog"

      • Description:

        An unusual, energetic surname choice that would make a good Madison alternative. Madigan was a typical police detective series of the 1970s, starring Richard Widmark.
    • Madison

      • Origin:

        English

      • Meaning:

        "son of Matthew"

      • Description:

        Since we wrote a book called Beyond Jennifer & Jason, Madison & Montana, encouraging parents to move beyond overused names, it's no secret what we think of this trendy surname name, inspired by a mermaid named Madison in the 1980s movie Splash.
    • Mckenna

      • Origin:

        Irish

      • Meaning:

        "son of Kenneth"

      • Description:

        Mackenzie begat McKenna - a catchy but very trendy choice. While the Mc or Mac prefix means "son of," this is much more popular as a girl name in the US, peaking at #177 in 2002.
    • Mckenzie

      • Origin:

        Spelling variation of Mackenzie, Scottish

      • Meaning:

        "son of Kenneth"

      • Description:

        Used quietly on boys in the US since the early 20th century, Mckenzie was abruptly overtaken by the Mackenzie spelling back in 1973 when actress Mackenzie Phillips introduced the name as a possibility for girls. While Mckenzie has never matched its sibling spelling in popularity, it nevertheless climbed the charts in its wake, peaking in 2000 at #133.
    • Melody

      • Origin:

        Greek

      • Meaning:

        "song"

      • Description:

        A melodious choice big in the sixties, Melody is now starting to pick up tempo again. It cracked the Top 150 for the first time ever in 2015. Melody is also the name of Ariel's equally curious and more tom-boyish daughter in The Little Mermaid sequel. Read more about Melody and other Disney Princess Names in our featured blog.
    • Monroe

      • Origin:

        Scottish

      • Meaning:

        "mouth of the Roe river"

      • Description:

        Monroe is a presidential name which, thanks to the immortal beauty of Marilyn Monroe, is catching on fast for baby girls. Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon chose it for their twin daughter, honoring Marilyn Monroe. Their use of Monroe as a girls’ name did much to revive this Old Man name, a la Sydney, as a newly fashionable choice for girls.
    • Nohely

      • Description:

        Nohely is a feminine name with Hispanic origins, primarily used in Spanish-speaking communities. It appears to be a modern variation of Noelia or potentially a combination of Noe (Noah) and a feminine suffix. The name has a melodious quality with its soft consonants and flowing sound. Nohely has gained moderate popularity in Latin American countries and among Hispanic communities in the United States since the late 20th century. The name carries a contemporary feel while maintaining cultural connections. Nohely's appealing rhythm and unique yet accessible quality make it attractive to parents seeking a name with Hispanic roots that balances uniqueness with relatively straightforward pronunciation and spelling.
    • Quincy

      • Origin:

        French from Latin

      • Meaning:

        "estate of the fifth son"

      • Description:

        Quincy is a Presidential surname name that actually sounds both cute and strong when used for a girl. For the first time ever, Quincy joined the Top 1000 roster for girls in 2023, given to over 250 baby girls that year.
    • Reagan

      • Origin:

        Irish

      • Meaning:

        "little king"

      • Description:

        A strong, straightforward Irish unisex surname, with a merry glint in its eye, Reagan has been leaping up the popularity lists, to become one of the top girl names starting with R. Some will inevitably link it to President Ronald, but spell it Regan and it's a Shakespearean name: a daughter of King Lear.
    • Rhapsody

      • Origin:

        French, musical term

      • Description:

        Could be seen as extravagantly ecstatic for a baby name, though feel free to rhapsodize about your little girl, whatever her name.
    • Sabiny

      • Description:

        Sabiny is an uncommon feminine name with possible connections to several origins. It likely relates to the ancient Sabine people of Italy, known from Roman history, particularly the famous legend of the Sabine women. Alternatively, it may be a variant of Sabina, a name derived from Latin meaning 'Sabine woman' or simply referring to this historical group. In some Eastern European contexts, particularly Czech and Polish regions, Sabiny might appear as a possessive or variant form of Sabina. The name carries connotations of ancient heritage and historical depth. While rare in contemporary usage, it offers an intriguing alternative to more common names with similar sounds. Its uncommon nature makes it distinctive while maintaining recognizable roots and relatively straightforward pronunciation.
    • Taylor

      • Origin:

        English occupational name

      • Meaning:

        "tailor"

      • Description:

        Taylor is one of the prime unisex surnames used for girls and has also been a soap opera favorite. Taylor was in the Top 10 for the last several years of the twentieth century, so that now it tends to feel a little nineties – though Taylor Swift is keeping it in the spotlight and Tay is a charming nickname. Garth Brooks and Bryan Cranston have daughters named Taylor; Taylor Schilling portrays lead Piper Chapman in Orange is the New Black.
    • Verity

      • Origin:

        Latin

      • Meaning:

        "truth"

      • Description:

        If you love Puritan virtue names and want to move beyond Hope and Faith and Grace, this is a wonderful choice, both for its meaning and its sound. A rare find here, though occasionally heard in England. It was used in Winston Graham's Poldark novels, was Madonna's name as James Bond's fencing instructor in Die Another Day, and made a brief appearance in Harry Potter. Not to mention being a fixture on British and Australian soaps. Verity also appears in one of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple mysteries.
    • Victory

      • Origin:

        English word name

      • Meaning:

        "victory"

      • Description:

        A winning unisex word name, fresher than Victoria or Victor.
    • Waverly

      • Origin:

        English

      • Meaning:

        "meadow of quivering aspens"

      • Description:

        Waverly, with its literary resonance and lilting three-syllable sound, could well become the next generation's successor to Kimberly. Its upper-crusty surname feel places it among the new stylish English names for girls, successors to Ashley and Whitney.