Mackinnon

Meaning & origin

Mackinnon entered the U.S. Social Security records in 1998, and as of 2025 it ranks 6803, with approximately 1 in 142,340 boys receiving the name. Its popularity has been rising since 2012, reaching its peak year in 2025, indicating growing interest in this Scottish surname as a first name. While the name is not yet common in any specific state, its trend mirrors the broader appeal of Celtic-inspired names. Mackinnon's etymology ties it directly to the Scottish clan tradition, offering a meaningful heritage option for families with Scottish or Irish roots.

Mackinnon is an anglicized form of the Scottish Gaelic Mac Fhionghuin, meaning 'son of the fair-born one' or 'son of the fair one.' The name Fingon itself derives from the elements 'fionn' meaning 'white, fair' and 'gun' meaning 'born.' The Mackinnon clan was historically associated with the Isle of Skye and parts of Argyll, with records of the surname dating back to the 13th century. As a given name, Mackinnon began to appear in the late 20th century, following the trend of using surnames as first names.