Holding steady, #6,143 for boys today.
Popularity of Mckinnon since 1995
Babies named Mckinnon per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 0 | 32 |
| 2000s | 5 | 31 |
| 2010s | 5 | 50 |
| 2020s | 11 | 40 |
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
Sibling names for Mckinnon
Names that share Mckinnon's style, for a brother or sister.

