McKenzie is a name of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "Mac Coinnich," which means "son of Coinneach." The name has been popularized in recent years by celebrities such as actress McKenzie Westmore and singer-songwriter McKenzie Bourg.
The name Mckenzie is believed to have originated from a family that lived near the River Kenize, now known as the River Dee. The name was first recorded in Scotland during the 13th century, with records showing several variations of the name, including MacKenzie, Mackenzile, and Makenezie.
Over time, the name has evolved and been adapted by different cultures around the world. In Scotland, it is still commonly used as a surname, while in English-speaking countries such as the United States and Canada, it has become popular as both a first name for boys and girls. In fact, according to data from the Social Security Administration, McKenzie was one of the top 1000 names for babies born in the US in 2020.
The meaning behind the name Mckenzie is "son of Coinneach," with Coinneach being a Gaelic form of the name Kenneth. The name Kenneth is derived from the Gaelic word "cenn" which means "head" or "leader," suggesting that someone with the name McKenzie may be seen as a leader or head of their family.
Despite its Scottish origins, the name Mckenzie has been adopted by people around the world and has become a popular choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their child. Whether it's used as a first name or surname, the name Mckenzie continues to be associated with strength, leadership, and a rich history that spans centuries and continents.
Based on the provided statistics, the name McKenzie has seen a varied level of popularity over the years in the United States. From 1917 to 1975, the number of babies named McKenzie remained relatively low, with fewer than 10 births per year recorded.
However, starting from 1976, there was a significant increase in the usage of this name. In that year alone, 19 babies were named McKenzie. This trend continued to rise throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, reaching a peak of 120 births in 1996.
After this peak, there was a decline in the popularity of the name McKenzie. By the year 2000, the number of babies named McKenzie had dropped to 58, and it continued to decrease steadily over the following years.
In recent years, the usage of the name McKenzie has stabilized at a lower level compared to its peak in the late 1990s. Between 2016 and 2023, the number of births recorded for this name ranged from 7 to 20 per year.
Overall, while McKenzie experienced periods of significant popularity over the years, it has since stabilized at a lower level of usage in the United States.