Declining since 2011, #700 for girls today.
Popularity of Makenzie since 1975
Babies named Makenzie per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 78 |
| 1980s | 540 |
| 1990s | 7,245 |
| 2000s | 17,477 |
| 2010s | 15,996 |
| 2020s | 3,687 |
Meaning & origin
Makenzie first entered the U.S. naming charts in 1975 as a feminized spelling of the Scottish surname Mackenzie, originally a patronymic meaning 'son of Coinneach'. The name gained popularity steadily, reaching its peak rank in 2011, when it was the 135th most popular name for girls in the United States. Since then, its usage has been falling; by 2025 it had declined to rank 700, with approximately 1 in 3,959 female newborns receiving the name. The name has seen particularly strong usage in southern states such as South Carolina, Louisiana, and Alabama. Its trajectory reflects broader trends in American naming, where surname-inspired girls' names with distinctive spellings have both risen and receded in fashion.
Makenzie is a modern respelling of the Scottish surname MacKenzie, which originated as a patronymic meaning 'son of Coinneach'. The Gaelic personal name Coinneach means 'fair' or 'bright', often associated with light or brightness. The surname became popular as a given name in the United States during the late 20th century, with the feminized spelling 'Makenzie' emerging alongside alternatives like 'McKenzie' and 'Mackenzie'.
Where Makenzie is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kenzie, Mack, Kenz
Sibling names for Makenzie
Names that share Makenzie's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Kaitlyn, Madison, Avery, Hailey, Jordyn, Baylee, Kaylah, Jacee, Dakayla, Jaylie, Mikiyah, Shaylie, Courtlyn, Dianey, Aylanie, Janaysia, Jecenia, Tanaiya
Brothers: Cameron, Dylan, Connor, Logan, Tyler, Martavious, Treyvion, Davarius, Dezmen, Quayshawn, Bralon, Cardarius, Dequavion, Devantae, Latavion, Markeise
Names like Makenzie
Names whose popularity has moved with Makenzie's over the last 50 years.
