"son of Cionaodh (fire-born)"
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Language: Irish
Mckenna
Pronunciation: [ m-uhk-EHN-uh ]
Does Mckenna flow with your last name?
An Irish flame name with bold modern energy
Irish
Scottish
American
Modern
Strong
Earthy
Bold
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
Share
Similar Names
Names Like Mckenna
Same sound, same style — different options
Nicknames
Nicknames for Mckenna
3 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"descendant of the fire god"
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Language: Scottish
Browse names with similar meanings:
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
Similar to Mckenna
See all →What the Mckenna report tells you
$9Personalized to your state, siblings, and priorities. Free playground safety preview included.
Is Mckenna the #1 name in your state, or barely on the radar?
Enter your other kids' names. We score how well they sound together.
Downloadable PDF + nursery art
Everything in one printable report. Frame the name art.
Start with a free preview
Playground safety check is free. Full report is $9.
What do you want to do with this name?
Keep Mckenna
Add it to your shortlist. Not losing this one.
Compare names
Put Mckenna head-to-head with your other picks.
Start comparing →
Nickname ideas
See what Mckenna actually gets called.
Browse nicknames →
What kind of baby name person are you?
3 minutes to find names that fit your style.
Take the Quiz
The Story of Mckenna
McKenna is an Anglicization of the Irish/Scottish surname Mac Cionaodha, meaning son of Cionaodh. The personal name Cionaodh is composed of cion (affection, respect) and Aodh (the name of the ancient Celtic fire deity), roughly translating as born of fire or beloved of the fire god. As a given first name, McKenna emerged in the late 20th century as part of the trend of using Irish surnames as first names for girls.
McKenna and its variant Makenna became popular American girl names in the 1990s-2000s, following the trend of Irish surname-names like Riley, Kennedy, and Reagan. American Girl's McKenna doll (2012 Girl of the Year) also boosted visibility among young parents looking for names with character and story.
As a surname-turned-first-name, McKenna celebrates Irish and Scottish heritage. The Mac prefix traditionally means son of, though the name is now predominantly given to girls in the US — a common pattern where Gaelic surnames transcend their original gendered grammar. Ireland has produced a remarkable number of McKennas in politics, literature, and sport.
Historical Record
Mckenna first appeared in US Social Security records in 1972.
Over 43,545 babies have been named Mckenna in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Mckenna is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #378 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- McKenna means son of Cionaodh though now primarily given to girls in the US
- American Girl introduced a McKenna doll in 2012 as their Girl of the Year — an athletic gymnast
- Cionaodh, the name's root, contains Aodh — the name of the ancient Celtic fire deity
Mckenna in Other Languages
Irish
Mac Cionaodha
Spanish
McKenna
Japanese
McKenna
Scottish
McKenna
Popularity Over Time
#378
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Mckenna
M
McKenna Grace
Actor
2006
American actress known for The Haunting of Hill House, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, and The Handmaid's Tale
M
McKenna (American Girl doll) Fictional
Other
American Girl's 2012 Girl of the Year — an athletic gymnast navigating the challenges of competition and learning differ...
American Girl's 2012 Girl of the Year — an athletic gymnast navigating the challenges of competition and learning differences
Names You Might Also Love
See all →
Willa
Girl
"resolute protector"
#423
Melany
Girl
"black, dark-colored"
#438
Scottie
Girl
"Gael, wanderer"
#201
Miracle
Girl
"marvel, object of wonder"
#469
Scarlet
Girl
"bright red, vivid crimson"
#489
Compare Mckenna with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #378
- Total SSA Count
- 825
- Cultural Origins
- Irish Scottish American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Kenna
Ken
Mac
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, Irish heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, American heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Mckenna
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
Premium
Check how Mckenna fits with existing sibling names — style, sound, and origin.
Enter sibling names above to see compatibility.
Also a Boy Name
Mckenna is also used as a boy name, ranked #14320.
View Mckenna as a boy name →Similar Names
See all names like Mckenna →For Parents
amz
Start a baby registry
Free welcome box on Amazon
The Baby Name Wizard
Names that age well — book
Nursery name sign
Personalized wooden letters
We may earn a commission from these links.
Compare Mckenna with...
Same Origin Names (Irish)
See all Irish names →Names with Similar Meaning
Names that share meaning themes with Mckenna
Can't decide?
Start a tournament bracket with Mckenna and other names you're considering.
Start a TournamentLike this name?
Check how Mckenna sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.
Analyze This NameExplore More Generators
-
🧝
Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
-
🐾
Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
-
🎭
Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres
Names You Might Also Like
View all →
Willa
Girl
Germanic origin
"resolute protector"
#423 in US
Melany
Girl
Greek (melas) origin
"black, dark-colored"
#438 in US
Scottie
Girl
Medieval Latin origin
"Gael, wanderer"
#201 in US
Miracle
Girl
Latin origin
"marvel, object of wonder"
#469 in US
Scarlet
Girl
English origin
"bright red, vivid crimson"
#489 in US
Sydney
Girl
Old English origin
"wide island; broad river-island"
#288 in US
Elodie
Girl
Gothic origin
"foreign riches"
#370 in US
Brinley
Girl
English origin
"hill meadow"
#564 in US
Save Your Name Card
Download a shareable image with Mckenna's meaning, origin, and popularity. Ready for Instagram, Pinterest, or texting to your partner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mckenna
What does the name Mckenna mean?
"son of Cionaodh (fire-born)" (from Irish Gaelic). "descendant of the fire god" (from Scottish Gaelic). McKenna is an Anglicization of the Irish/Scottish surname Mac Cionaodha, meaning son of Cionaodh. The personal name Cionaodh is composed of cion (affection, respect) and Aodh (the name of the ancient Celtic fire deity), roughly translating as born of fire or beloved of the fire god. As a given first name, McKenna emerged in the late 20th century as part of the trend of using Irish surnames as first names for girls.
What is the origin of the name Mckenna?
Mckenna has Irish Gaelic, Scottish Gaelic, Irish, Scottish, and American origins. In Irish Gaelic, it means "son of Cionaodh (fire-born)". In Scottish Gaelic, it means "descendant of the fire god".
Is Mckenna a boy or girl name?
Mckenna is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #378. As a boy name, it is ranked #14320. Mckenna is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Mckenna?
Mckenna is pronounced m-uhk-EHN-uh.
How popular is the name Mckenna?
Mckenna is currently ranked #378 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Mckenna?
Common nicknames for Mckenna include Kenna, Ken, and Mac.
What are good middle names for Mckenna?
Popular middle name pairings include Mckenna Rose, Mckenna Grace, Mckenna Marie, Mckenna Lynn, Mckenna Jane, Mckenna Elizabeth, and Mckenna Claire.
What are good sibling names for Mckenna?
Names that pair well with Mckenna as siblings include Connor, Declan, Fiona, Maeve, Liam, Nora, and Brennan.
How many syllables does Mckenna have?
Mckenna has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Mckenna a common or rare name?
Mckenna is a popular name, ranked #378 for girls. It is well-known without being overused.
What girl names are similar to Mckenna?
Are there other spellings for Mckenna?
Related spellings include Mckenzie.
About the Name Mckenna
Mckenna is a girl name with Irish, Scottish, and American origins . The name means "son of Cionaodh (fire-born)" in Irish Gaelic .
Is Mckenna a boy or girl name? Mckenna is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #378 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #14,320. Mckenna is more commonly used as a girl name.
Mckenna is currently ranked #378 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Mckenna has 3 syllables and is pronounced m-uhk-EHN-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Mckenna include Kenna, Ken, and Mac. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Mckenna include Mckenzie . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
Keep Exploring
Irish Gaelic Names
Browse all names with this origin
M
Names Starting with M
More girl names like Mckenna
Unique Names
Uncommon names with character
Name Personality Quiz
Find names that match your style
Name Swiper
Swipe through names, build a shortlist fast
Browse All Girl Names
Full list with filters and sorting
Recommended for Parents
amz
Start a registry
Free welcome box on Amazon
Baby Name Wizard
Names that actually age well
Nursery name sign
Personalized wooden letters
We may earn a commission from these links.
Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis