All about the name MACKAY

Meaning, origin, history.

Mackay is a unique and distinctive given name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic word 'Mac Aoidh,' which means 'son of Aodh.' Aodh was a god of the Tuatha Dé Danann, an ancient Celtic mythological race. In Irish, Mackay is also known as MacAoidh.

The name Mackay has a rich history in Scottish and Irish culture. It is associated with the Clan Mackay, one of the oldest and most powerful clans in Scotland. The clan originated in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland and played a significant role in shaping the country's history. Some notable figures bearing the name Mackay include Sir Alexander Mackay, a 19th-century Scottish explorer and colonial administrator, and Norman Douglas Mackay, a Canadian general during World War II.

Despite its historical significance and strong association with Scotland and Ireland, Mackay is not a particularly common given name today. It has often been used as a surname rather than a first name in recent years. However, those who bear this unique name are likely to have a rich heritage and a fascinating family history behind them.

Popularity of the name MACKAY since 1880.

Number of births per year since 1880.

The given statistics indicate that the name Mackay has seen some popularity in the United States over time, but it is not a name that has consistently ranked high among the most popular names each year.

In 1996, there were 6 births with the name Mackay. Then, after an eight-year gap, there were 5 births with this name in both 2004 and 2006, followed by another 5 births in 2007. This suggests that while Mackay may not be a name that experiences significant yearly fluctuations in popularity, it does have some enduring appeal among parents.

In total, there were 21 births with the name Mackay across these four years. While this number is not large enough to indicate widespread use of the name, it does show that there has been consistent interest in the name Mackay over time. It's also worth noting that this data only represents a small fraction of the overall birth rate in the United States during these years.

Ultimately, the statistics demonstrate that the name Mackay is not exceptionally popular, but rather, it has maintained a steady presence among baby names chosen by parents in the United States over the past few decades. It's possible that this name may continue to appeal to families looking for unique yet recognizable options for their children's names.