McKinley

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What does the baby name McKinley mean? Learn about what McKinley means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

McKinley - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of McKinley
M-C-K-I-N-L-E-Y, is a 8-letter female given name.
Meaning of McKinley
Fair haired foreigner, child of the learned ruler.
Origin of McKinley
The name 'McKinley' originates from Scotland. It is a surname turned given name that is derived from the Gaelic name 'Mac Fhionnlaigh', meaning 'son of Finlay'. The name 'Finlay' itself is composed of the elements 'fionn', meaning 'fair' or 'white', and 'laogh', meaning 'warrior'.
Irish Names
Scottish Names
Popularity of McKinley
The name 'McKinley' has experienced varying levels of popularity over the years. In the United States, it gained significant attention in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, coinciding with the presidency of William McKinley. However, its popularity has fluctuated since then. According to Social Security Administration data, 'McKinley' ranked as the 929th most popular name for girls in 2020.
McKinley currently has 25 likes, and is in the top 9% of liked girl's names. The name Marge is slightly more popular than McKinley.

Etymology of McKinley

The etymology of 'McKinley' can be traced back to its Gaelic roots. The prefix 'Mac' means 'son of', while 'Fhionnlaigh' is a Gaelic personal name that translates to 'fair warrior'. The combination of these elements gives the name 'McKinley' its meaning of 'son of the fair warrior'.

Cultural Significance of McKinley

The name 'McKinley' does not hold significant cultural or historical significance beyond its Scottish origins. However, it is worth noting that the name gained popularity in the United States due to the association with President William McKinley, who served as the 25th President from 1897 until his assassination in 1901.