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Home › Baby Names Directory › Mckinley

Mckinley

♂ Boy

Pronounced mə-KIN-lee /məˈkɪn.li/High

Meaning: From Scottish/Irish Mac Fhionnlaigh, 'son of Fionnlagh (fair hero/warrior)'; here for boysMedium

In 30 seconds: Presidential and proud: Mckinley is the Scottish 'son of the fair hero' — a stately surname-name (President William McKinley). Strong and distinguished.
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Origin MediumScottish, Irish
MeaningFrom Scottish/Irish Mac Fhionnlaigh, 'son of Fionnlagh (fair hero/warrior)'; here for boys
U.S. rank (2025)#3721 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births30 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1920
Total births (all-time)≈ 9,786

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 192018902025

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

Mckinley comes from the Scottish and Irish Mac Fhionnlaigh, 'son of Fionnlagh', meaning 'fair hero' or 'fair warrior'. Honored through President William McKinley, it's a stately surname-name, here for boys.

It registers thinly for boys today. Rare, son-of-the-fair-hero at the root, and distinguished.

Did you know? McKinley comes from Scottish Mac Fhionnlaigh, 'son of Fionnlagh (fair hero/warrior)' — President William McKinley carried it; stately and strong (used for both sexes).
Overall data confidence 72%
Behind the Name — Mckinley — root etymology

Variations

McKinleyMackinleyKinley

Nicknames

MacKin

Famous Bearers

  • ★McKinley Morganfield (1913-1983)
    birth name of blues legend Muddy Waters, pioneer of Chicago blues
  • ★William McKinley (1843-1901)
    25th President of the United States, served 1897-1901

If you like Mckinley…

Macklin— a companion Mac- name
Kinley— a short form
Kacey— another unisex pick
Conley— another Irish name
Dempsey— a fellow Irish choice

Explore names like Mckinley

By themeunisexsurname-nameirishscottish
By meaningWarriorBeautyWind / Air

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Mckinley mean?

Mckinley is Scottish for 'son of Fionnlagh (fair hero/warrior)'.

How do you pronounce Mckinley?

It's said mə-KIN-lee /məˈkɪn.li/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Mckinley a boy or girl name?

Mckinley is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Mckinley?

Mckinley is a rare name for boys in the U.S.

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