McKay Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname McKay come from? What does the surname McKay mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name McKay and family migration on YourRoots Map.
McKee, Mackay, Mackey, McHugh, McKeegan, Quay
Surname McKay Origin: What does the last name McKay mean?
The surname McKay, also spelled MacKay or Mackay, is of Scottish and Irish origin. In Scotland, it is associated with Clan Mackay and has a long history dating back to the early 16th century. The name is believed to have originally meant "son of Aodh" or "son of fire," indicating a connection to a prominent figure or a fiery spirit. Over time, the McKay surname has spread beyond Scotland, with significant records appearing in the United States by the 18th century.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the McKay surname in the United Kingdom since the early 16th century. The name experienced a shift in distribution to the United States by the 18th century, where it became increasingly common. Today, the McKay surname can be found in various countries worldwide, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and South Africa, reflecting a global spread over the centuries. This surname carries a rich history and legacy, symbolizing a strong cultural heritage and connection to Scottish and Irish roots.
McKay Last Name History: Where did the last name McKay come from?
Origin of McKay Surname: Where does the last name McKay originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname McKay was first recorded in Scotland, United Kingdom, around the early 16th century. Note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact “McKay” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name McKay: What does the McKay surname history look like in the early days?
The “McKay” surname was predominantly associated with Scotland from the 16th through the 17th century. However, by the 18th century, YourRoots data shows a significant volume of McKay family records appearing in the United States, indicating a shift in the surname's distribution.
Global Spread: Where can we find the McKay surname today?
By the 18th century, the frequency of records with the McKay surname in the United States surpassed that of the United Kingdom. This trend continued into the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, the “McKay” surname remains prominent in the United States, but it is also present in many regions worldwide, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and South Africa, reflecting a global spread of the surname over the centuries.
Explore McKay last name heritage and McKay surname origin based on YourRoots Map data
VIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME MCKAY
Famous People With McKay Surame?
Nellie McKay
Eleanora Marie McKay (April 13, 1982 - present) is an English–American singer and songwriter known for her Broadway debut in The Threepenny Opera (2006). McKay is a vocal feminist and vegan, with albums like Get Away from Me (2004) and My Weekly Reader (2015) showcasing her diverse musical talents.
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