Declining since 1996, #3,583 for boys today.
Popularity of Mckay since 1917
Babies named Mckay per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 0 | 6 |
| 1920s | 0 | 19 |
| 1930s | 0 | 5 |
| 1940s | 0 | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 | 9 |
| 1970s | 0 | 61 |
| 1980s | 14 | 177 |
| 1990s | 121 | 613 |
| 2000s | 101 | 647 |
| 2010s | 80 | 537 |
| 2020s | 53 | 222 |
Meaning & origin
Mckay is a Scottish and Irish surname turned given name, rising in popularity as a boy's name in the United States during the late 20th century. First recorded in 1917, the name peaked in 1995 when it reached its highest rank. Since then, its usage has been falling; by 2023, it ranked 3,583rd with an incidence of 1 in 55,099 births. The name is particularly common in Utah and Idaho, states with strong LDS populations that often favor Scottish surnames. Mckay represents a trend of embracing heritage via clan names, but its decline since the mid-1990s suggests it may be a generational favorite rather than a lasting classic. Its straightforward pronunciation and spelling, along with the lack of common nicknames, make it a distinct choice for parents seeking a name with Celtic roots.
Mckay is a patronymic surname derived from the Scottish Gaelic Mac Aodha, meaning 'son of Aodh' (Aodh being an ancient name meaning 'fire'). It historically referred to a descendant of the Clan MacKay in the Scottish Highlands. The name has been used as a given name for boys in the United States since the early 20th century, often reflecting Scottish heritage or surname-as-first-name trends. Its Irish counterpart, McKay, shares the same Gaelic root.
Where Mckay is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Mckay
Names that share Mckay's style, for a brother or sister.
