McKenna
What is the origin of the last name McKenna?
Meaning and origin
Over time, the name has spread beyond Ireland, particularly among the Irish diaspora, and has become a relatively common surname in the English-speaking world.
The longer story
The last name McKenna has Irish origins and is classified as a surname. It is believed to be an Anglicized form of the Irish name Mac Cionaoith, which translates to "son of Cionnaoith." The prefix "Mac" signifies "son of" in Gaelic, indicating that the surname was passed down through generations.
The name Cionnaoith, on the other hand, has a distinct etymology. It is derived from a combination of the Gaelic words "cion" and "aithe," meaning "respect" and "hospitality" respectively, resulting in the overall meaning of "one who is respectful and hospitable."
As with many surnames, the spelling and pronunciation of McKenna have evolved over time. Various alternate spellings, including McKenne, MacKenne, and MacKenna, can be found throughout historical records. These variations offer insight into the fluidity of name spellings and the transition from Gaelic to English languages.
Surname origins are rarely settled: one spelling can have several sources, and families often took a name for reasons nobody wrote down. Check it against the sources below before you rely on it.
Similar spellings
#1,284
McKenna was the 1,284th most common surname in the 2010 US Census, with 27,293 people, about 8.8 in every 100,000.
Who carries it
Surnames like McKenna
Names it is linked with, then names with the same origin and a similar standing.
Check the sources
- Forebears: where McKenna is found around the world
- The Internet Surname Database: a second opinion on the origin
- US Census Bureau: the 2010 surname figures used here
For a name you are serious about, compare the dictionaries: Reaney and Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames; Hanks, Dictionary of American Family Names.