Find out how popular the first name Mckay has been for the last 49 years (from 1975 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Mckay by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Mckay is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 86% of people named Mckay being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 32 male babies and 12 female babies born with the name Mckay.

The history of the first name Mckay

The name Mckay has its origins in the Scottish Gaelic language and culture. It is believed to have derived from the Gaelic surname "Mac Aidh," which translates to "son of Aodh" or "son of Hugh." The name Aodh itself is a Gaelic variant of the name Hugh, which has roots in the Germanic name Hugo, meaning "bright in mind and spirit."

While the exact time period of the name's origin is unclear, it is thought to have emerged in the medieval era, particularly in the Scottish Highlands and Islands. The name's prevalence in these regions can be attributed to the influence of Scottish clans and their naming traditions.

Mckay does not appear to have any direct references in ancient texts or religious scriptures. However, its relation to the name Hugh links it to various historical figures bearing that name, such as Hugh Capet, the first King of France from the Capetian dynasty, who reigned from 987 to 996.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Mckay can be found in the 16th century, with Mckay of Strathnaver, a chief of the Clan Mckay in the Scottish Highlands. Another notable bearer of the name was Sir Donald Mckay (1810-1880), a Scottish-born shipbuilder and designer who gained fame in the United States for his exceptional clipper ships.

Throughout history, several other individuals have carried the name Mckay. These include:

1. Donald Mckay (1834-1927), a Scottish-American businessman and philanthropist, known for his involvement in the Mckay Shipbuilding Company.

2. Claude Mckay (1889-1948), a Jamaican-American writer and poet, celebrated as a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance literary movement.

3. Mckay Neidlinger (1912-1987), an American artist and illustrator, renowned for his detailed and intricate pen-and-ink drawings.

4. Mckay Daine (born 1972), a Canadian actress and model, known for her roles in various television shows and films.

5. Mckay Hatch (born 1975), an American businessman and entrepreneur, the founder and former CEO of the Revision3 media company.

While these examples span different time periods and cultures, the name Mckay has maintained a consistent connection to its Scottish Gaelic roots, reflecting the rich history and heritage associated with this distinctive name.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Mckay was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Mckay, please contact us.

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