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Home › Baby Names Directory › Mckay

Mckay

♀ Girl

Pronounced muh-KAY /məˈkeɪ/Medium

Meaning: From the Scottish/Irish surname McKay (Mac Aodha), 'son of Aodh,' a name meaning 'fire.' A surname turned given name, unisex, and used here for a girl; note the surname roots.Low

In 30 seconds: A surname-name with spark: Mckay means 'son of Aodh (fire)' (said 'muh-KAY'). Unisex, often a girl's now.
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Origin MediumScottish, Irish
MeaningFrom the Scottish/Irish surname McKay (Mac Aodha), 'son of Aodh,' a name meaning 'fire.' A surname turned given name, unisex, and used here for a girl; note the surname roots.
U.S. rank (2024)#12954 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births7 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1999
Total births (all-time)≈ 360

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 199919822024

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Mckay is from the Scottish/Irish surname McKay (Mac Aodha), 'son of Aodh' ('fire'). Carried as a first name for both sexes, it fits the surname trend and leans girl in some regions; we note its unisex, surname roots (said 'muh-KAY').

It appears rarely for girls in the U.S., alongside boys' use. Rare, crisp, and surname-style.

Did you know? Mckay comes from the Scottish-Irish surname McKay, 'son of Aodh,' a name meaning 'fire.' A crisp surname turned given name, unisex and increasingly used for girls (said 'muh-KAY').
Overall data confidence 46%
References — Mckay — Scottish surname 'son of Aodh (fire)'; unisex

Variations

MackayMckayeMakay

Nicknames

KayMac

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Mckay…

Mckenna— a like Mc- surname gone girl
Mckinley— a like Mc- surname name
Reagan— a like unisex surname pick
Murray— a fellow Scottish choice
Islay— shares Mckay's Scottish roots

Explore names like Mckay

By themeunisexsurnamecross-sexscottish

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Mckay mean?

Mckay is a Scottish/Irish surname, 'son of Aodh,' a name meaning 'fire.'

How do you pronounce Mckay?

It's said muh-KAY /məˈkeɪ/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Mckay a boy or girl name?

Mckay is a unisex surname name; it is used here for a girl, though it is also common for boys.

How popular is Mckay?

Mckay is a rare name for girls in the U.S., also used for boys.

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