Origin & Meaning of the Mckay Surname
What does the last name Mckay mean?
The surname Mckay carries the meaning "Son of Mckay." It is derived from the Gaelic language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 38,681 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mckay ranks as the #895 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mckay come from?
The Mckay surname has its roots in Irish/Scottish heritage. Names of Irish/Scottish origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Mckay name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mckay trace back to Gaelic. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Mckay |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Mckay |
| Origin | Irish/Scottish |
| Language | Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #895 |
| US Count (2010) | 38,681 |
| Per 100K People | 13.11 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mckay
According to the US Census, the Mckay surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 38,681 Americans with the Mckay last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 80.03% |
| Black | 13.56% |
| Hispanic | 2.39% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.7% |
| Native American | 1.2% |
| Two or More Races | 2.12% |
Popularity of Mckay Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mckay surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mckay surname increased by 1,733 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Irish/Scottish Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mckay
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