MallowbyNames

Mckinnon

muh-KIN-un · son of the fair born or son of the fire

2025 rank (boys)
#6,143
Babies named in 2025
14
Peak popularity
2025
2025 frequency
1 in 122,005 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady, #6,143 for boys today.

Popularity of Mckinnon since 1995

Babies named Mckinnon per year in U.S. Social Security records.

5914200020102020Most births 2025GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirlsBoys
1990s032
2000s531
2010s550
2020s1140

Meaning & origin

Mckinnon is a Scottish surname turned given name, first recorded in U.S. birth data in 1995. It saw its peak popularity in 2025, ranking 6143 with about 1 in 122,005 boys receiving the name that year. The trajectory has remained stable, indicating consistent but rare usage. As a clan name from the Isle of Skye, it carries a distinct Scottish heritage. The name's appeal lies in its strong sound and connection to Gaelic roots, fitting the modern fashion for surnames as first names. While not yet widespread, its steady presence suggests a niche following among parents seeking a unique yet traditional-sounding name.

Mckinnon is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic surname Mac Fhionghuin, meaning 'son of Fionnghuin' which itself derives from the elements 'fionn' meaning 'fair' or 'white' and 'gun' meaning 'born' or possibly 'fire'. The name is associated with the Scottish clan MacKinnon, historically centered on the Isle of Skye. As a given name, Mckinnon follows the modern trend of using surnames as first names.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Mac, Kinnon, Mack

Variants: Mackinnon, Mckennon, Mccannon

Sibling names for Mckinnon

Names that share Mckinnon's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

M is for Mckinnon, our favorite little boy.

M is for Mckinnon…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Mckinnon's letter becomes Mckinnon's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Mckinnon's book

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Questions parents ask

What does the name Mckinnon mean?
Mckinnon means 'son of the fair born' or 'son of the fire' depending on the interpretation of the Gaelic elements fionn (fair/white) or teine (fire) combined with gun (born).
How popular is the name Mckinnon?
As of 2025, Mckinnon ranked 6143 in the United States, with approximately 1 in 122,005 newborns given the name that year.
Is Mckinnon a boy's name?
Mckinnon is considered a boy's name, though surnames used as given names can sometimes be unisex.