Mckay is a unique and distinctive given name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic surname McKay, which means "son of Kenneth". The name Kenneth itself has its roots in the Gaelic name Cináed, which means "handsome" or "attractive".
The McKay clan was one of the most powerful and influential families in Scotland during the Middle Ages. They were known for their fierce warriors and their loyalty to the Scottish cause. Over time, the surname became popular as a given name, particularly among families with Scottish heritage.
In recent years, Mckay has gained popularity as a unisex given name. While it is still relatively rare, it has been used by parents who are drawn to its unique sound and Scottish heritage. The name is often spelled with or without the apostrophe, and both spellings are considered acceptable.
Overall, Mckay is a strong and distinctive given name that carries with it a rich history and cultural significance. Its Scottish origins and powerful meaning make it an appealing choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their child.
The name Mckay has been popular among parents in the United States for over a century, with its popularity fluctuating over time. In the early part of the 20th century, there were very few births registered each year with the name Mckay. Between 1917 and 1934, there were only six years with more than five births per year.
However, starting in the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s, there was a notable increase in the number of births registered each year with the name Mckay. Between 1963 and 1980, there were ten years with more than five births per year, peaking at fifteen births in 1981.
The popularity of the name Mckay continued to rise throughout the 1980s and 1990s, reaching its peak in 1995 with ninety-six births registered that year. This trend continued into the early 2000s, with over sixty births per year between 2000 and 2004.
Since then, however, the popularity of the name Mckay has decreased significantly. Between 2005 and 2023, there were only five years with more than fifty births registered each year, with the most recent peak being forty-eight births in 2021.
Overall, despite its fluctuations in popularity over time, the name Mckay has been a relatively uncommon choice among parents in the United States. With a total of 2,234 births registered between 1917 and 2023, it is clear that this name has a certain timeless appeal for some parents looking for unique options for their children's names.