Mckenna is a unique and modern girls' name of Irish origin. It means "son of the handsome one" or "handsome boy." The name comes from the Irish surname McKenna, which was derived from the Gaelic word "Mac Cionaith," meaning "son of Cionaoith." Cionaoith is a name composed of two elements: "cion," meaning "intelligence," and "aoith," meaning "happiness."
The name Mckenna has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in English-speaking countries. It was not traditionally used as a girls' name until the late 20th century when it began to be used more frequently for female babies. This shift can be attributed to the desire for unique and distinctive names.
Despite its Irish origin, Mckenna is not typically associated with any specific cultural or religious traditions. Instead, it is seen as a contemporary name that reflects the modern trend towards unisex names and those with a strong, bold sound.
In terms of historical figures, there are no notable individuals named Mckenna, either in its traditional form as a boys' name or in its more recent use for girls. However, this lack of historical precedent has not hindered its popularity among parents looking for a distinctive name for their daughters.
The name Mckenna has seen a varied trend in popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1991 and 2006, there were a total of 183 babies born who were given the name Mckenna. The most popular year for the name was 1995, with 43 births. This suggests that during this time period, the name Mckenna gained some popularity as a unisex name. However, it appears that its popularity began to decline after 1997, with fewer than 20 births each year from 1998 onwards. Despite this, the name Mckenna continues to be used today, indicating that it has maintained some level of enduring appeal among parents in the United States.