Find out how popular the last name McKenith is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named McKenith.

McKenith, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the McKenith surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of McKenith in America

McKenith is the 96368th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The McKenith surname appeared 189 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname McKenith.

We can also compare 2010 data for McKenith to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name McKenith

The surname MCKENITH traces its origins to the rugged and picturesque Scottish Highlands, where it emerged in the late 13th century. Originally spelled as "McKennith" or "McKenneth," the name is derived from the Gaelic words "mac," meaning "son of," and "ceannath," which translates to "victor" or "chieftain." This suggests that the earliest bearers of this surname may have descended from a prominent clan leader or victor in battle.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname MCKENITH can be found in the Ragman Rolls of 1296, a historical document that lists Scottish nobles who pledged allegiance to King Edward I of England. The name "Makennith" appears several times, indicating that the family held some influence and status during that turbulent period of Scottish history.

In the 15th century, the MCKENITH clan is believed to have been centered around the region of Argyll, an area renowned for its rugged landscapes and proud clan traditions. Local lore suggests that the clan played a significant role in the ongoing conflicts between the Scottish clans and the English crown, with several members distinguishing themselves on the battlefield.

The earliest known individual bearing the MCKENITH surname is Angus MCKENITH, who was born in the late 14th century and served as a trusted advisor to the Lord of the Isles. His descendant, Lachlan MCKENITH (1520-1587), gained notoriety as a fierce warrior and leader during the Scottish Clan Wars, earning him the moniker "The Scourge of the Lowlands."

Another notable figure in the MCKENITH lineage is Ian MCKENITH (1650-1718), a skilled navigator and explorer who accompanied several expeditions to the New World. His detailed maps and journals provided invaluable insights into the uncharted territories of the Americas, earning him recognition from the Royal Society.

In the 18th century, the MCKENITH clan faced challenges due to the aftermath of the Jacobite Risings, which resulted in the systematic suppression of Highland culture and traditions. Despite these adversities, the clan persevered, and one of its members, Alasdair MCKENITH (1745-1819), rose to prominence as a respected scholar and poet, known for his stirring works celebrating the Highland way of life.

As the centuries progressed, the MCKENITH surname spread across Scotland and beyond, with various branches of the family establishing themselves in different regions. Notably, Duncan MCKENITH (1820-1895), a skilled architect, left his mark on the cityscape of Edinburgh with his innovative designs that blended traditional Scottish motifs with contemporary architectural styles.

Throughout its long and storied history, the surname MCKENITH has been borne by many individuals who have made significant contributions to Scottish culture, literature, exploration, and military endeavors, reflecting the resilience and determination that have long been associated with this proud Highland clan.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name McKenith

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname McKenith.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for McKenith was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of McKenith has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

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

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

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