Summary

The surname McKay is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name Mac Aodha, meaning 'son of Aodh.' It is a patronymic surname, indicating descent from a Gaelic personal name. The name has a rich history and is associated with several clans in Scotland.
There are
38681
Mckays in the USA
Mckay is the
895th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Mckay

WilliamMacKay

William MacKay was a Scottish poet and songwriter, known for his poem 'The Braes o' Strathblane' and his contributions to Scottish traditional music.

DonaldMcKay

Donald McKay was a prominent American shipbuilder, best known for his construction of clipper ships during the mid-19th century.

AlexanderMackay

Alexander Mackay was a Scottish missionary and explorer, known for his work in East Africa and his role in the development of Uganda.

CheyenneMacKay

Cheyenne MacKay is a contemporary actress and model, known for her roles in films like 'The Art of Self-Defense' and 'The Revenant.'

JohnMacKay

John MacKay is a Canadian journalist and news anchor, known for his work on the television program 'CTV National News.'

MaryMcKay

Mary McKay was a Scottish suffragette and women's rights activist, known for her efforts in promoting gender equality and fighting for women's voting rights.

ThomasMacKay

Thomas MacKay was a Scottish engineer and inventor, known for his contributions to the development of the telegraph and submarine cables.

GraceMacKay

Grace MacKay is a Canadian artist and painter, known for her vibrant and expressive landscapes inspired by the beauty of the Canadian wilderness.

RobertMcKay

Robert McKay was a British archaeologist and Egyptologist, known for his excavations and research on ancient Egyptian artifacts and tombs.

HelenMcKay

Helen McKay was an American civil rights activist and educator, known for her work in desegregating schools and promoting equal educational opportunities.

Mckay Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'McKay' is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name 'MacAoidh,' which means 'son of Aodh.' Aodh was a common given name in Scotland and Ireland and means 'fire' or 'burning.' The 'Mc' prefix indicates 'son of.'
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'McKay' is commonly found in Scotland, particularly in the Highlands and islands regions. It is also prevalent in countries with Scottish and Irish diaspora, such as Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'McKay' include 'MacKay,' 'McKey,' 'Mackay,' 'Mac Kay,' 'Mckey,' 'Mlookup,' 'McKayen,' 'Mcka,' and 'Mcky.'
Migration and ImmigrationThe name 'McKay' has been carried by Scottish and Irish immigrants to various countries, particularly during periods of Scottish and Irish emigration. Many Mckays settled in Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.