"son of Cionaodh (fire-born)"
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Language: Irish
Mckenna
Pronunciation: [ m-uhk-EHN-uh ]
Girl Name
#378 Most Popular
Steady
3 Syllables
An Irish flame name with bold modern energy
Irish
Scottish
American
Modern
Strong
Earthy
Bold
Meaning & Origin
"descendant of the fire god"
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Language: Scottish
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.
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
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
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
Pairs Well With
Mckenna Rose
Mckenna Grace
Mckenna Marie
Mckenna Lynn
Mckenna Jane
Mckenna Elizabeth
Mckenna Claire
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Mckenna is also used as a boy name, ranked #14320.
View Mckenna as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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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.
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.