Kennedy Family Crest

 

Kennedy family crest

Colors on the Kennedy family crest explained

Argent (silver) -represents sincerity and peacefulness. Two attributes the Kennedy's are known for through history.

Sable (black) - symbolises constancy and the enduring nature of this family.

   

  Symbols on the Kennedy family crest explained

The Fleur-de-lis - represents purity, light and religious connections including connections of the Virgin Mary. A connection to the family's early religious associations.

The three helmets - placed on the shield depicts Kennedy family strength and strong defences.

 

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Origins of the Kennedy family name

    The Kennedy family name is believed to have originated in Ireland.

    The name is derived from the Gaelic "O'Cinneide", which means "descendant of Cinneidigh". This translates to mean someone of strong head or 'helmet head'. Hence the symbols on the family crest.

    The Kennedy clan is thought to have originated in County Clare, where they were a sept of the O'Brien clan.

    The name also has later Scottish associations.

     

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    Summary of the Kennedy family and the Kennedy family crest

    • The Kennedy name first appears in the Annals of the Four Masters in the year 1172, when a Kennedy chief was killed in battle.
    • The Kennedy clan was based in County Clare and Galway in the west of Ireland, and were one of the four main families of the area known as the "Tribes of Galway".
    • The Kennedy clan first came to prominence in the 13th century, when they acquired the castle of Dunbrody in County Wexford.
    • The Kennedy clan supported the English Crown during the Wars of the Roses in the 15th century, and later fought on the side of the Kingdom of Ireland against the English during the Nine Years' War (1594-1603).
    • The Kennedy clan supported the Catholic King James II during the Glorious Revolution of 1688, and were rewarded with lands in County Mayo.
    • The Kennedy clan supported the Jacobite cause during the Rising of 1715, and were once again rewarded with lands in County Mayo.
    • The Kennedy clan supported the Catholic King James III during the Rising of 1745, but were forced to flee their Mayo estates after the Jacobite defeat.
      • The Kennedy family name in America can be traced back to the early 1700s, when Patrick Kennedy, who was born in County Kerry, Ireland, emigrated to the Boston area of Massachusetts.
      • Patrick's son, John Kennedy, was the first Kennedy to be born in America, and he went on to become a successful businessman and politician.
      • The Kennedy family has been prominent in American politics since the mid-20th century, when John F. Kennedy was elected President in 1960.