Find out how popular the first name Mckenna has been for the last 48 years (from 1976 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Mckenna by gender

Based on the last 48 years of data, Mckenna is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Mckenna being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 940 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Mckenna.

The history of the first name Mckenna

The given name Mckenna has its roots in Irish and Scottish Gaelic culture. It is derived from the Gaelic words "mac" meaning "son" and "cendaigh" or "cennetig," meaning "handsome" or "born of fire." The name is believed to have originated in the late 16th or early 17th century.

Mckenna was initially found in Ireland and Scotland, particularly in regions with strong Gaelic heritage. Variations of the spelling include McKenna, McKenney, and McKinney. The name was often given to sons born with striking features or a fiery personality.

While there are no known direct references to the name Mckenna in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it is rooted in the rich Gaelic tradition and reflects the culture's emphasis on physical attributes and characteristics.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Mckenna is found in the 17th century Irish genealogical records. A notable individual from this time was Mckenna, the son of Eoghan Ó Maonaigh, a prominent chieftain in County Fermanagh, Ireland.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Mckenna. One such person was Joseph Mckenna (1843-1926), an American lawyer and politician who served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1898 to 1925.

Another notable Mckenna was Siobhan Mckenna (1923-1986), an Irish actress renowned for her performances on stage and screen. She was born in Belfast and had a successful career spanning over four decades, appearing in productions such as "Playboy of the Western World" and "Beckett."

In the field of sports, Mckenna Ryan (born 1983) is a former American professional soccer player who competed as a forward for various teams, including the Boston Breakers and Sky Blue FC in the National Women's Soccer League.

Mckenna Grace (born 2006) is a young American actress known for her roles in films such as "Gifted," "Captain Marvel," and "Troop Zero." Despite her young age, she has garnered critical acclaim for her performances.

Mckenna Haley (born 1986) is a Canadian singer-songwriter and musician. She has released several albums and is known for her unique blend of indie-folk and alternative rock styles.

These are just a few examples of individuals throughout history who have carried the given name Mckenna, reflecting its rich cultural heritage and enduring popularity.

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 Mckenna was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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