Mackenzie is a name of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "MacCoinneich," which means "son of Coinneach." The name has been popularized in recent years due to its use by celebrities such as actress Mackenzie Phillips and model Mackenzie Davis.
The name MacKenzie originally referred to a person who was descended from Coinneach, a personal name that is believed to mean either "fair" or "handsome." The surname MacKenzie has a long history in Scotland, with the clan being one of the most powerful and influential in the Highlands. The clan's seat was at Eilean Donan Castle on the shores of Loch Duich, and they played an important role in Scottish politics throughout the medieval period.
Over time, the name MacKenzie evolved from a surname into a given name for both boys and girls. In recent years, it has become particularly popular as a girl's name, with many parents choosing it for its unique sound and Scottish heritage.
In terms of popularity, Mackenzie has been among the top 1000 names for girls in the United States since at least 2007, according to data from the Social Security Administration. It reached its peak popularity in 2014, when it ranked #685. Today, it continues to be a popular choice for parents looking for a distinctive and meaningful name for their daughters.
Overall, Mackenzie is a unique and historic name with deep roots in Scottish culture and history. Its meaning, "son of Coinneach," adds to its charm and significance as a given name for both boys and girls.
The name MacKenzie has seen a varied trend of popularity over the years in the United States. Starting with 8 births each year in 1992 and 1993, there was a steady increase in the number of babies named MacKenzie until it peaked at 32 births in the year 2000.
Interestingly, this high point of popularity lasted for three years, with 28 births recorded annually from 2001 to 2003. However, after 2003, the number of babies named MacKenzie began to decline steadily, reaching a low of just 5 births in 2014.
Overall, between 1992 and 2014, there were a total of 329 births registered with the name MacKenzie in the United States. This figure demonstrates that while the name may not have been consistently popular throughout the years, it did experience periods of notable popularity during this timeframe.