Mackenzie is a name of Scottish origin that has gained popularity worldwide in recent years. The name is derived from the Gaelic word "Coigach," which means "estate" or "land." It was originally used as a surname, given to someone who lived on an estate called Kintail, located in the Scottish Highlands.
The first recorded use of Mackenzie as a given name for boys dates back to the 17th century. However, it wasn't until the late 20th century that the name began to be used more frequently for girls. Today, Mackenzie is often considered a unisex name and is used by people of various cultural backgrounds.
One notable figure associated with the name Mackenzie is the Scottish novelist Hugh Miller, who lived during the 19th century. His birthplace was the village of Cromarty, located in the Highland region of Scotland. Although there is no evidence to suggest that he had any direct connection to the Mackenzies of Kintail, his writings about life in the Highlands have helped to popularize Scottish names like Mackenzie.
In recent times, the name Mackenzie has been featured prominently in popular culture. For instance, it was the title character's last name in the hit television series "Mackenzie & Parker," which aired from 2015 to 2016. Additionally, several celebrities have chosen Mackenzie as a first or middle name for their children, further contributing to its growing popularity.
In conclusion, Mackenzie is a Scottish name with a rich history and meaning. Its origins trace back to the Gaelic word "Coigach," which translates to "estate" or "land." While traditionally used as a boy's name, Mackenzie has gained significant traction as a unisex given name in recent decades. Its popularity can be attributed to various factors, including its association with notable figures like Hugh Miller and its frequent appearances in popular culture.
The name Mackenzie experienced a significant increase in popularity from the mid-1980s onwards. It first started to gain traction around the late 1970s, with a steady rise in births attributed to it each year until reaching a peak in the early to mid-1990s. Between 1992 and 1995, over 3000 babies were named Mackenzie annually, reaching an all-time high of nearly 4000 births in 1995.
However, the popularity of the name began to decline steadily from around 2006 onwards. By 2022, only about 1700 babies were named Mackenzie, marking a significant drop compared to its peak years. In total, over 138,000 babies have been named Mackenzie since 1973.