Mckenna
muh-KE-nuh
Mckenna comes from the Irish and Scottish Gaelic surname Mac Cionaodha, meaning “son of Cionaodh,” a name probably related to the Gaelic word for “fire” or “handsome.”
Like many Irish surnames, it moved into first-name territory in the 1990s. The trend of using surnames as given names for girls was particularly strong in that decade.
Mckenna ranked No. 377 in 2024 with 825 births. It peaked at No. 177 in 2002 with 1,795 births, during the height of surname-name popularity.
What the name Mckenna means
The spelling varies: McKenna, Mackenna, and Mckenna all appear on the charts. Together, they represent a larger combined usage.
Three syllables - muh-KEN-uh - have a strong central beat. The name sounds assertive and contemporary, with a surname’s air of authority.
Parents drawn to Mckenna like its Celtic heritage and modern-girl energy. It works well paired with both traditional and trendy middle names.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Mckenna
Mckenna - similar names
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