Mckay

♂ Boy

Mckay Pronunciation

Mckay is pronounced mə-KY /məˈkaɪ/High

Meaning: From the Scottish/Irish surname MacKay — 'son of Aodh', Aodh being a fire-god/name meaning 'fire'Medium

In 30 seconds: Son of fire: McKay is the Scottish clan surname — 'son of Aodh', the fire-god — turned crisp modern name. Highland strength, a fiery root, and surname-cool style.

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Origin MediumScottish, Irish

MeaningFrom the Scottish/Irish surname MacKay — 'son of Aodh', Aodh being a fire-god/name meaning 'fire'

U.S. rank (2024)#3648 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births31 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1995

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,265

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Mckay comes from the Scottish and Irish surname MacKay — Mac Aodh, 'son of Aodh', Aodh being an old Celtic fire-god and a name meaning 'fire'. Clan Mackay is a historic Highland clan; the surname crosses to a strong modern first name.

In the U.S. it appears especially in Latter-day Saint and Scottish-heritage families. Rare, son-of-fire at the root, and surname-strong.

Did you know? The Aodh behind McKay was a Celtic god of fire and the sun — so this clan surname literally means 'son of fire', blazing beneath its everyday sound.

Overall data confidence 78%

Behind the Name — Mackay — surname etymology

Variations

MacKayMcKaiMackay

Nicknames

KayMac

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Mckay…

Mckenna— a fellow Mc- surname-name

Keegan— a sister Gaelic-fire name (also 'son of Aodh')

Callum— another strong Scottish favorite

Murray— echoes that soft -ay sound

Braden— the same surname-name feel

→ See all names like Mckay

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Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Mckay?

Mckay is pronounced mə-KY (/məˈkaɪ/). Press play above to hear Mckay said aloud.

How do you say Mckay?

Mckay is said mə-KY (/məˈkaɪ/). Press play above to hear Mckay said aloud.

What does the name Mckay mean?

Mckay is a Scottish surname, 'son of Aodh' — the fire-god — so 'son of fire'.

Is Mckay a boy or girl name?

Mckay is mainly a boy's name.

How popular is Mckay?

Mckay is a rare name in the U.S.