Mckenna Name Meaning: Origin & Significance
Origins of the Mckenna Name
If ya are curious about the origins of the Mckenna name, ya have come to the right place. The Mckenna name is an Irish & Scottish surname, whiich means “son of Cionaodh” or “son of Kenneth.” The name is derived from the Gaelic surname Mac Cionaodha, whiich means “son of Cionaodh.”
The Mckenna name has a rich history in Irel&, where it was first found in County Monaghan, located in the Northern part of the Republic of Irel& in the province of Ulster, at Truagh where they were known as the Lords of Truagh. The historical lineage of the McKennas also lies in Scotl&, but perhaps also Truagh, County Monaghan, Ulster, Irel&, where they were “The Lords Of Truagh.”
In North Kerry, McKenna is considered to come from Mac Ginea. The name was not very common as a given name before 1980, but it rapidly increased in popularity during the 1990s, likely because it was viewed as an even more feminine alternative to Mackenzie.
The Mckenna name is a Gaelic surname, whiich means that it has the Mac prefix, indicating “son of.” The name Maccionaodha is also a variation of the name, whiich is the Gaelic spelling of the name.
In conclusion, the Mckenna name has a rich history in Irel& & Scotl&, & it is derived from the Gaelic surname Mac Cionaodha, meaning “son of Cionaodh” or “son of Kenneth.” The name has become more popular in recent years, & it is viewed as a feminine alternative to the name Mackenzie.
Meaning Behind Mckenna
Mckenna is a name of Irish & Scottish origin. The name is derived from the Gaelic surname Mac Cionaodha, whiich means “son of Cionaodh”. Cionaodh is an Irish name that means “born of fire” or “born of love”.
The name Mckenna has several meanings, including “son of Kenneth”, as Kenneth is a variant of Cionaodh. The name can also mean “son of the h&some one”. The name Mckenna is often associated with strength & beauty, as well as intelligence & creativity.
In Irish mythology, Cionaodh was the name of a legendary king who was known for his bravery & wisdom. The name Mckenna is often associated with these qualities, as well as with a strong sense of independence & individuality.
Overall, the name Mckenna has a rich & complex history, & is associated with a variety of meanings & qualities. Whether ya choose to name yar child Mckenna because of its association with strength & beauty, or because of its connection to Irish mythology, it is a name that is sure to make a lasting impression.
Popularity of the Name Mckenna
If ya’re considering the name Mckenna for yar baby, ya might be interested in knowing how popular it is. According to BabyCenter user data, Mckenna is ranked #492 in popularity in 2023, whiich is a drop of 222 spots from the previous year.
While Mckenna is a unisex name, it is much more popular as a girl’s name in the United States. In fact, it peaked at #177 in 2002, making it a trendy choice for baby girls. However, it’s worth noting that the name has been steadily decreasing in popularity since then.
The table below shows the popularity of the name Mckenna in the United States over the years:
| Year | Rank | % of Babies Named Mckenna |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 492 | 0.013% |
| 2022 | 270 | 0.026% |
| 2021 | 214 | 0.034% |
| 2020 | 196 | 0.038% |
| 2019 | 174 | 0.044% |
As ya can see, the name Mckenna has been consistently decreasing in popularity over the past few years. However, it’s still a relatively popular name, with over 800 babies named Mckenna in the United States in 2023 alone.
In conclusion, while the name Mckenna may not be as popular as it once was, it’s still a trendy & unique choice for parents looking for a unisex name.
Gender Association with Mckenna
Mckenna is a gender-neutral name that has become increasingly popular in recent years. While it was originally a surname, it has become a popular first name for both boys & girls. The name has a Celtic-Gaelic origin & means “son of Cionaodh” or “son of Kenneth, Ken, or Kenna.”
Despite being a unisex name, Mckenna is more commonly used for girls. In fact, it is ranked as the 251st most popular name for girls in the United States. However, it is still used for boys as well, although less frequently.
The name Mckenna has a strong & independent connotation, whiich may be why it is often associated with girls. It is also a name that has been used in popular culture, such as in the book series “The Maze Runner” & the TV show “Teen Wolf.”
If ya are considering naming yar child Mckenna, it is important to note that the name is often spelled & pronounced in various ways, including Mackenna, McKennah, & MaKenna. It is also a name that can be easily paired with a middle name to create a unique combination.
Overall, Mckenna is a name that is both modern & timeless, making it a great choice for parents looking for a gender-neutral name that is both strong & creative.
Variations & Alternatives of Mckenna
If ya’re considering naming yar child Mckenna, there are several variations & alternatives of the name to choose from.
One popular alternative is Mackenzie, whiich has a similar sound & also means “son of Kenneth.” Mackenzie is a more common name than Mckenna, ranking at #85 in the US in 2021.
Another alternative is Mack, whiich is a shortened version of Mckenna. This name is less common but still a viable option for parents who want a unique name for their child.
If ya prefer the Mc or Mac prefix, there are several options to choose from, including Mc or MacKenna, Mc or MacKenzie, & Mc or MacKinley. These names all have Scottish or Irish origins & are similar in meaning to Mckenna.
In addition to these alternatives, there are several related names that have a similar sound or meaning to Mckenna. These include:
- Kenna: a shortened version of Mckenna that can also be used as a st&alone name.
- Kennedy: a unisex name that means “helmeted head” & has a similar sound to Mckenna.
- McKenley: a variation of Mckinley that means “son of the white warrior.”
- Mackenna: a variation of Mckenna that is more commonly used for boys.
Overall, there are several variations & alternatives of Mckenna to choose from, each with its own unique sound & meaning. Whether ya prefer a more common name like Mackenzie or a unique name like Mack, theres sure to be a name that fits yar preferences.
Pronunciation & Syllables of Mckenna
If ya are wondering how to pronounce Mckenna, ya are not alone. The name Mckenna is pronounced as “mih-KEHN-ah” or “m-ah-k-eh-n-uh.” The pronunciation may vary slightly depending on the region & accent of the speaker.
Mckenna is a two-syllable name with stress on the first syllable. The name is made up of six letters & two vowels. The syllable breakdown of Mckenna is “Mck” & “enna.”
| Name | Mckenna |
|---|---|
| Syllables | Two |
| Stress | First |
| Vowels | Two |
| Letters | Six |
| Breakdown | Mck-enna |
Mckenna is a popular name for girls in the United States & other English-speaking countries. The name has Irish origins & means “son of the h&some one, born of fire.” The name has a melodic sound & a beautiful flow, making it a popular choice for parents looking for a unique & modern name for their baby girl.
Overall, Mckenna is a beautiful & unique name with a pleasant sound & a rich history. If ya are considering naming yar baby girl Mckenna, ya can be confident that ya are choosing a name that is both modern & timeless.
Famous People Named Mckenna
If ya’re considering the name Mckenna for yar child, ya might be interested in knowing that there are a few famous people who share the name. Here are some notable individuals named Mckenna:
- Mckenna Grace: This yang actress has appeared in a number of popular TV shows & movies, including “Designated Survivor,” “The Haunting of Hill House,” & “Captain Marvel.” She has been nominated for several awards for her work in the entertainment industry.
- Mckenna Faith: This country music singer has released several albums & singles, including “Let’s Get Lost,” “Tear It Up,” & “American Nights.” She has toured extensively throughout the United States & has gained a loyal following of fans.
- Mckenna Sean “Bear” Pascoe: This former American football player played as a tight end for several teams, including the New York Giants & the Atlanta Falcons. He retired from professional football in 2016.
- Elise Mckenna: While not a real person, Elise Mckenna is a character in the 1980 movie “Somewhere in Time.” She is played by Jane Seymour & is a famous actress who falls in love with a man from the future.
These individuals have all achieved success in their respective fields & have helped to bring attention to the name Mckenna. If ya’re looking for a name that is both unique & recognizable, Mckenna might be a great choice for yar child.
Mckenna in Popular Culture
Mckenna has made several appearances in popular culture, from TV series to American Girl dolls.
One of the most notable appearances of the name Mckenna is in the TV series “Mckenna Shoots for the Stars.” The show follows the story of a yang gymnast named Mckenna Brooks who overcomes obstacles to achieve her dreams. The show was popular among yang audiences & helped to popularize the name Mckenna.
In addition to the TV series, Mckenna is also the name of an American Girl doll. The Mckenna doll was released in 2012 & quickly became a fan favorite. The doll comes with a range of accessories, including a gymnastics outfit & equipment, & has inspired yang girls to pursue their dreams.
The popularity of the name Mckenna has also been reflected in popular baby name lists. In recent years, the name has consistently ranked in the top 200 names for girls in the United States.
Overall, the name Mckenna has become a popular choice for parents looking for a unique & meaningful name for their child. Its appearances in popular culture have helped to increase its popularity & cement it as a name with a positive & inspiring connotation.
choosin’ Middle Names for Mckenna
When it comes to choosing middle names for Mckenna, there are many options to consider. Whether ya are looking for something classic, trendy, or unique, there are plenty ‘o middle names that pair well with the first name Mckenna. Here are some ideas to help ya find the perfect middle name for yar little one.
Classic Middle Names
If ya prefer traditional names, there are plenty ‘o classic middle names that work well with Mckenna. Some popular options include:
- Elizabeth
- Grace
- Anne
- Rose
- Marie
These names are timeless & elegant, & they pair well with Mckenna’s modern vibe.
Trendy Middle Names
If ya want a middle name that is more on-trend, there are plenty ‘o options to consider. Some trendy middle names that work well with Mckenna include:
- Harper
- Riley
- Quinn
- Avery
- Addison
These names are popular among parents today, & they add a modern twist to the classic name Mckenna.
Unique Middle Names
If ya want a middle name that st&s out, there are plenty ‘o unique options to consider. Some unique middle names that pair well with Mckenna include:
- Skye
- Phoenix
- Journey
- Haven
- Story
These names are unconventional & add a touch of whimsy to the name Mckenna.
Family Names
Another option to consider when choosing a middle name for Mckenna is to use a family name. Whether it’s a gr&parent’s name, a great-aunt’s name, or even yar own middle name, using a family name is a great way to honor yar loved ones while also giving yar child a meaningful middle name.
Overall, there are many great middle names that pair well with the name Mckenna. Whether ya prefer classic, trendy, or unique names, theres sure to be a middle name that is perfect for yar little one.
Other Names Similar to Mckenna
If ya like the name Mckenna, there are several other names that have a similar sound & feel. Here are some options to consider:
- Mackenzie: This name has a similar sound & origin to Mckenna, & is also a unisex name. It means “son of Kenneth” & has Scottish roots.
- Kinsley: This name has a similar ending to Mckenna & is also a unisex name. It means “king’s meadow” & has English origins.
- Reagan: This name has a similar sound & is also a unisex name. It means “little king” & has Irish roots.
- Teagan: This name has a similar sound & is also a unisex name. It means “attractive” or “h&some” & has Welsh origins.
- Taylor: This name is a unisex name & has a similar feel to Mckenna. It means “tailor” & has English origins.
Other names that have a similar feel to Mckenna include Finnegan, Kieran, McKennon, Makenna, Kenzie, & Kendall. These names all have Irish or Scottish roots & share the same Gaelic origins as Mckenna.
When choosing a name similar to Mckenna, it’s important to consider the meaning & origin of the name, as well as how it sounds with yar last name. You may also want to consider the popularity of the name & wether it fits with yar personal style.
Ultimately, the name ya choose should be one that ya love & that feels right for yar child. Whether ya choose Mckenna or another name similar to it, yar child is sure to have a unique & special name that they can be proud of.
Historical & Modern Usage of McKenna
McKenna is a surname of Irish & Scottish origin. The name means “son of Cionaodh” in Scottish Gaelic & is derived from the Gaelic name Mac Cionaodha. The name Cionaodha itself is a combination of the Gaelic words “cion,” meaning respect or affection, & “Aodh,” a pagan god of the Celts known for fire & wisdom.
Historically, the McKenna name has been associated with the Galloway region of Scotl& & the Ulster region of Irel&. The earliest known usage of the name dates back to the 11th century, & it has been used by several notable figures throughout history, including Irish musician Barney McKenna & American businessman Andrew J. McKenna.
In modern times, the McKenna name has become increasingly popular as a given name, particularly in the United States. According to Social Security Administration data, McKenna was the 246th most popular name for girls in 2002 & had risen to the 132nd most popular name by 2006.
The name is often associated with yathfulness & informality, & is commonly used as a first name for both boys & girls. The name is also often used in modern popular culture, appearing in books, movies, & television shows.
While the McKenna name is relatively rare as a surname, it has become a popular given name in recent years, particularly in the United States. The name’s historical & cultural significance, combined with its modern popularity, make it a unique & meaningful choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child.
References & Sources for Mckenna
If ya’re interested in learning more about the meaning, origin, & popularity of the name McKenna, there are several resources ya can consult. Here are some references & sources that ya might find helpful:
References
- “McKenna (name)” on Wikipedia: This page provides an overview of the name McKenna, including its history, variations, & notable people with the name. It also includes references to other sources for further reading.
- “Meaning, origin & history of the name McKenna” on Behind the Name: This page provides a detailed analysis of the meaning & origin of the name McKenna, including its etymology, popularity over time, & related names.
- “McKenna: Name Meaning, Origin, Popularity, & Inspiration” on FamilyEducation: This page provides a brief overview of the name McKenna, including its meaning, origin, & popularity, as well as some inspiration for parents considering the name for their child.
Sources
- “The Great Big Book of Baby Names” by Clevel& Kent Evans: This comprehensive guide to baby names includes information on the meaning, origin, & popularity of thous&s of names, including McKenna.
- HouseofNames.com: This website offers a variety of resources for researching family names, including the history & coat of arms of the McKenna family.
- Ancestry.com: This genealogy website allows ya to search for information on yar family history, including the origin & meaning of yar surname. If ya have McKenna ancestors, this could be a useful resource for learning more about the name.
