Mckinley is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It is derived from the surname McKinley, which is of Scottish and Irish descent. The surname McKinley is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic name "Mac Giobúin," meaning "son of Guaire." Guaire was a legendary king of Connacht in Ireland who was known for his generosity and hospitality.
The name Mckinley gained popularity in the United States during the late 19th century, largely due to its association with William McKinley, who served as the 25th President of the United States from 1897 until his assassination in 1901. Prior to his presidency, McKinley was a prominent politician and served as the Governor of Ohio. He is best known for leading the nation through a time of economic growth and prosperity, earning him the nickname "The Missouri."
Despite its historical association with the American president, Mckinley remains a relatively uncommon given name. According to data from the Social Security Administration, it has never ranked among the top 1000 most popular boy names in the United States. This makes it an appealing choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their son.
In summary, Mckinley is a distinctive given name of Scottish and Irish origin that means "son of Guaire." While it has gained some popularity due to its association with William McKinley, it remains relatively uncommon as a first name. Its unique sound and historical significance make it an appealing choice for parents looking for a meaningful and distinctive name for their son.
The name Mckinley has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past four decades in the United States. From just five births in 1978, the number of babies named Mckinley grew steadily throughout the 1980s and 1990s, reaching double digits by 1992.
The year 2000 marked a turning point for the name's popularity. There were 176 births that year, and from then on, the number of babies named Mckinley has continued to rise, peaking in 2014 with 862 births. This trend has been consistent up until recent years, with 563 babies named Mckinley born in 2021 and 458 in 2022.
Overall, from 1978 to 2023, there have been a total of 12,315 babies named Mckinley born in the United States. This consistent growth in popularity over time indicates that the name Mckinley has become increasingly favored by parents choosing names for their children.