Origin & Meaning of the Mckenna Surname
What does the last name Mckenna mean?
The surname Mckenna carries the meaning "Son of Mckenna." 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 27,293 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mckenna ranks as the #1,284 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mckenna come from?
The Mckenna 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 Mckenna name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mckenna 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 | Mckenna |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Mckenna |
| Origin | Irish/Scottish |
| Language | Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,284 |
| US Count (2010) | 27,293 |
| Per 100K People | 9.25 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mckenna
According to the US Census, the Mckenna surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 27,293 Americans with the Mckenna last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 94.1% |
| Black | 0.9% |
| Hispanic | 3.1% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.58% |
| Native American | 0.23% |
| Two or More Races | 1.1% |
Popularity of Mckenna Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mckenna surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mckenna surname increased by 1,104 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Mckenna
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Mckenna.
Other Irish/Scottish Surnames
Explore more surnames with Irish/Scottish roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Irish/Scottish origin as Mckenna.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mckenna
Top Surnames Starting with M
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter M, ranked by population.
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