Rising since 1985, #805 for boys today.
Popularity of Mccoy since 1905
Babies named Mccoy per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 5 |
| 1910s | 120 |
| 1920s | 136 |
| 1930s | 148 |
| 1940s | 145 |
| 1950s | 111 |
| 1960s | 44 |
| 1970s | 23 |
| 1980s | 53 |
| 1990s | 199 |
| 2000s | 410 |
| 2010s | 1,568 |
| 2020s | 1,606 |
Meaning & origin
McCoy is a surname-turned-first-name that has been climbing the charts for decades. First recorded in 1905, it spent most of the 20th century in relative obscurity before beginning a consistent upward trend around 1985. By 2025 it reached its peak rank of 805, with about 1 in 5,528 boys receiving the name. Surname-style given names are especially popular in states like South Dakota, Montana, and Idaho, where McCoy ranks highest. The name's Irish roots and sharp, one-syllable sound give it a modern yet rugged appeal, fitting a broader trend toward traditional surnames as first names.
Mccoy is an anglicized form of the Gaelic surname Mac Aodha, meaning 'son of Aodh'. Aodh is an ancient Irish name meaning 'fire', borne by a god of the underworld in Irish mythology. As a given name, McCoy is a modern adaptation of the surname, used almost exclusively for boys. It has been in sporadic use since the early 20th century but saw a notable resurgence beginning in the 1980s.
Where Mccoy is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Mccoy
Names that share Mccoy's style, for a brother or sister.
