A Clear Reference List of the Kennedy Family Members

Key Figures in the Core Kennedy Lineage

The Kennedy family is an American political family centered on the descendants of Patrick Joseph Kennedy (1858–1929), who left County Mayo, Ireland, and built a saloon and ice business in East Boston. The most prominent public lineage begins with Patrick Joseph Kennedy (1878–1969), who served as a U.S. Representative from Massachusetts from 1947 to 1959. He married Rose Elizabeth Fitzgerald (1890–1995). Below are their notable children and subsequent generations that define the list of Kennedys in contemporary public life.

Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy

Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. (1888–1969) and Rose Elizabeth Fitzgerald Kennedy (1890–1995) had nine children who survived to adulthood. Their careers, public service, and private lives have been widely documented. The following table outlines key individuals in the primary generational branch most often referenced when compiling a list of Kennedys.

Descendants and Extended Generations

As the children of Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy formed their own families, the list of Kennedys expanded to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Many descendants have pursued careers in business, diplomacy, arts, and public service, while others have maintained private lives. This section organizes the next generations to help readers identify relatives and understand surname usage in different branches.

Children of John F. Kennedy

John F. Kennedy married Jacqueline Lee Bouvier in 1953. They had two children before his presidency and a third child shortly after his death. The family lineage continues through the following descendants, who are frequently included when listing contemporary Kennedys.

• Caroline Bouvier Kennedy (born 1957) — U.S. diplomat, former U.S. Ambassador to Japan and Australia, and former Director of the International Trade Administration.
• John F. Kennedy Jr. (1960–1999) — Magazine publisher and founder of George magazine.
• Patrick Bouvier Kennedy (1963) — Born prematurely and died shortly after birth.

Children of Robert F. Kennedy

Robert F. Kennedy married Ethel Skakel in 1950. They had eleven children. Several of their adult children have entered public service, journalism, and advocacy, adding multiple names to any comprehensive list of Kennedys.

• Kathleen Hartington Kennedy Townsend (born 1951) — Former Lieutenant Governor of Maryland.
• Joseph P. Kennedy II (born 1952) — Former U.S. Representative from Massachusetts.
• Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (born 1954) — Environmental lawyer and activist.
• David A. Kennedy (1955–1984) — Businessperson, died by drug overdose.
• Michael L. Kennedy (born 1958) — Businessperson and author.
• Mary Courtney Kennedy (born 1956)
• Christopher G. Kennedy (born 1963) — Businessperson and former Chair of the Board of Trustees for the University of Illinois.
• Matthew Maxwell Taylor Kennedy (born 1965)
• Douglas Harriman Kennedy (born 1967) — Journalist, former Fox News correspondent.
• Roberta Lawford Kennedy (born 1969)
• Anthony Palmieri Kennedy (born 1970)

Children of Edward M. "Ted" Kennedy

Edward M. "Ted" Kennedy married Joan Burnand in 1958 and later Vicki Sullivan in 1982. He had three children from his first marriage. Ted Kennedy's descendants represent another active branch on the family tree that frequently appears on an extended list of Kennedys.

• Kara Kennedy (1960–2011)
• Edward M. Kennedy Jr. (born 1961) — Lawyer and former Chairman of the National Corporation for Community Service.
• Patrick J. Kennedy (born 1967) — Former U.S. Representative from Rhode Island.

Children of Other Siblings

Other children of Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, as well as their descendants, contribute to the extended network often referenced in a list of Kennedys. Notably, Eunice Kennedy Shriver founded the Special Olympics, and her children continue philanthropic work. Patricia Kennedy Lawford and Jean Kennedy Smith also extended their lines through various children and professional endeavors. Verification of birth years and relationships is provided in the following table for select members often listed in authoritative sources.

Common Naming Patterns and Usage

Within the extended family, the name "Kennedy" often appears for males, while women may use it as a middle name or retain it after marriage in professional contexts. Distinguishing between individuals with the same name, such as multiple John Kennedys or Robert Kennedys across generations, is important when compiling or reading a list of Kennedys. The table below summarizes generational naming and notable distinctions to reduce ambiguity.

Geographic and Institutional Associations

The Kennedy name is associated with Massachusetts politics, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., the John F. Kennedy Library, and the many foundations established by family members. These institutions are named after specific individuals rather than referring to the entire family, but they influence how people interpret a list of Kennedys in historical and cultural contexts.

Verifying Information on the Kennedy Family

When researching a list of Kennedys, use authoritative biographical sources, published family trees from reputable institutions, and official archives for members who held public office. This approach helps ensure accuracy for names, birth years, relationships, and career details. The tables in this article reference commonly cited records used by historians and biographers.