Shriver

Shriver is a surname principally associated with an American family prominent in politics, public service and philanthropy. Members of the Shriver family have been active in government, advocacy and nonprofit work, and are closely connected by marriage to the Kennedy family.

Robert Sargent Shriver Jr. (1915–2011) was a lawyer, diplomat and public servant who helped establish the Peace Corps as its first director and later led anti-poverty programs in the 1960s. He served as U.S. Ambassador to France and was the Democratic vice-presidential nominee in 1972. Eunice Kennedy Shriver (1921–2009), his wife and a sister of President John F. Kennedy, founded the Special Olympics and was a leading advocate for people with intellectual disabilities.

Their children and relatives have continued this legacy. Maria Shriver (born 1955) is a journalist, author and former First Lady of California. Timothy Shriver (born 1959) has held leadership roles at the Special Olympics. Anthony (Tony) Shriver (born 1965) founded the nonprofit Best Buddies International, promoting inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Other family members have been active in politics, journalism, education and public service.

As a surname, Shriver appears primarily in the United States and is synonymous in public discourse with the Shrivers’ civic initiatives, particularly those focused on disability rights, community service and social welfare.