Origin & Meaning of the Mckinley Surname
What does the last name Mckinley mean?
The surname Mckinley carries the meaning "Son of Mckinley." 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 24,000 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mckinley ranks as the #1,489 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mckinley come from?
The Mckinley 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 Mckinley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mckinley 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 | Mckinley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Mckinley |
| Origin | Irish/Scottish |
| Language | Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,489 |
| US Count (2010) | 24,000 |
| Per 100K People | 8.14 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mckinley
According to the US Census, the Mckinley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 24,000 Americans with the Mckinley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 74.48% |
| Black | 19.86% |
| Hispanic | 2.38% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.56% |
| Native American | 0.96% |
| Two or More Races | 1.75% |
Popularity of Mckinley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mckinley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mckinley surname increased by 876 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Irish/Scottish Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mckinley
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