Mackenna is a unique and uncommon name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name MacKenna, which means "son of Kenna." Kenna itself is believed to be a diminutive form of the Irish name Kenneth, which means "handsome" or "bold."
The name Mackenna has a rich history, dating back to ancient Scotland. The MacKennas were an influential Highland clan, known for their bravery and strength in battle. They were led by several notable chiefs throughout history, including Duncan MacKenna, who fought alongside Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Scottish Independence.
Today, Mackenna is still a name predominantly found in Scotland, but it has also gained some popularity in other English-speaking countries such as Ireland, England, and the United States. Despite its historical roots and unique sound, Mackenna remains relatively rare, making it an excellent choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child.
In terms of pronunciation, Mackenna is typically pronounced "MAK-en-uh," with the stress on the second syllable. The name can also be spelled MacKenna or Mac Kenneth, although these variations are less common. Overall, Mackenna is a powerful and captivating name that combines Scottish heritage with a modern twist.
The name Mackenna has seen a significant increase in popularity over the years, with a total of 3555 babies born with this name in the United States between 1986 and 2023.
The earliest records show that Mackenna was given to five newborns in both 1986 and 1987. However, its popularity began to grow in the early 1990s, with eight births recorded in 1988 and ten in 1990. This trend continued into the mid-1990s, reaching a significant milestone of 27 births in 1992 and 39 births in 1994.
The year 1996 marked a turning point for Mackenna's popularity, with a substantial increase to 99 births. This number continued to rise over the next decade, peaking at 187 births in 2008. Even after this peak, the name remained popular, with around 150-200 babies named Mackenna each year until 2013.
Since then, the popularity of the name has decreased slightly but has maintained a steady presence. Between 2014 and 2023, an average of about 80 babies per year were named Mackenna in the United States.
These statistics demonstrate that while Mackenna may not have always been a highly popular name, it has certainly made its mark on recent generations. Its popularity has waxed and waned over the years but has consistently remained among the choices for parents in the United States.