Henceforward the clan became established and was known throughout Scotland as Clan Kennedy. The De Carricks were Celtic Princes and Lords of Galloway, who later became the earls of Carrick in southwest Scotland between 1100-1225 A. D. Galloway, was a turbulent land and the de Carricks were sole rulers with their own set of laws. This statement however seems to have no true bearing. Instead the Kennedy name was widespread throughout Scotland and Ireland and quite inseparable as to nationality by this time. The spelling of the name as Kennedy appears to first be seen in the year 1296 from the spelling by Alexander Kennedy.
Some facts overlap in dates.
The Kennedy name is older than the year 1327, which was the year King Robert II, reaffirmed the official recognition of the Kennedy Clan.