Meaning, origin, history
McKenzie is a unisex given name of Scottish origin. The name derives from the Scottish surname MacKenzie, which means "son of Kenneth" in Gaelic. Kenneth is an ancient Scottish name that has been used for centuries and is believed to mean "handsome" or "born of fire".
The MacKenzie clan is one of the most prominent Highland clans in Scotland, with a rich history dating back to the 13th century. The clan's chiefs were known as the "Sea Kings of the Northwest" due to their control over the coastline and islands around Loch Maree in the Scottish Highlands.
The name McKenzie began to be used as a given name in the United States during the 20th century, particularly after World War II. It gained popularity among both boys and girls, although it is now more commonly used for females.
In pop culture, notable people named McKenzie include American actress McKenzie Westmore, known for her role on the TV show "Passions," and Canadian singer-songwriter McKenzie Porter, who won the 2015 Canadian Country Music Association award for Female Artist of the Year.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Mckenzie since 1880
Total births
63,615
Total since 1880
Peak year
2000
2,526 births
in 2023
707
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-37%
↘
vs previous 5 years