The name McKay is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic 'Mac Acha', which translates to 'son of Acha'. This name has a long and rich history, tracing back to ancient Scotland. It was traditionally given to sons born into the clan MacKinnon, one of the most powerful Highland clans. The McKays were known for their courage and loyalty, qualities that have become synonymous with this proud surname. Over time, the name has evolved and is now often used as a given name in English-speaking countries around the world.
"Mckay had a significant surge in popularity starting from the late 1970s onwards, peaking between 1986 and 1995 with over 60 births each year. After 1995, while the numbers fluctuated, they remained consistently high until around 2014. Since then, there has been a noticeable decline, reaching a recent low of 32 births in 2023."