Meaning of the surname Kennedy:(Scottish) This name comes from the old Irish  Gaelic, 'cinneidigh', literally meaning 'ugly headed'.

Origin of the Surname: They claimed descent from the Earls of Carrick and  kinship to the Bruce family, whom they supported against the Comyns and  throughout the War of Independence. John Kennedy of Dunure acquired lands at  Cassillis about 1360, and witnessed a charter by Robert II in 1384.

His son, Sir Gilbert, was one of the hostages for the release of David II by the English in 1357. Gilbert's son, James, married Princess Mary, second daughter of Robert III.

Their son, another Gilbert, was created Lord Kennedy in about 1457 and was one of the six regents during the minority of James III. A brother of the first  Lord Kennedy, James Kennedy, was one of Scotland's best-loved bishops. He  served briefly as High Chancellor of Scotland and was Bishop of Dunkeld, and later  Archbishop of St. Andrews. At St. Andrews he founded St. Salvator's College in 1455.