Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Mckenna

The name McKenna is the transferred use of an Irish or Scottish surname. The clan name comes from the old Gaelic "MacCionaodha", son of Cionaodha. Cionaodha was a male given name composed of the elements "cion" meaning ‘respect, love’ and "Aodh", the name of a Celtic god of fire. Therefore the name means ‘Beloved of Aodh’. In the same vein, the name is also said to mean ‘fiery love.’ This surname dates back to the 13th century in Scotland. McKenna could also be considered a more fanciful respelling of Makena, which is a Hawaiian place name meaning ‘many gathered.’ It is most likely, however, that McKenna developed in the United States at the end of the 20th century in reaction to naming trends that embrace surnames as given names. McKenna’s usage also follows the popularity of such names as McKenzie and McKayla.

All About the Baby Name – Mckenna

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME MCKENNA

The number Seven personality is deeply mystical and highly in tune with their spirituality. They operate on a different wavelength than the average joe. Spending time alone comes easily to Sevens, as it gives them time to contemplate philosophical, religious and spiritual ideas in an effort to find "real truth".  Sevens are wise, but often exude mystery as if they are tapped into something the rest of us don't understand. They love the outdoors and are fed by nature. Sevens are constantly seeking to understand human nature, our place in the universe, and the mystery of life in general. This makes them quite artistic and poetic, but they are also keen observers with high intellect - so they are equally scientific-minded. Sevens are charitable and care deeply about the human condition.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME MCKENNA

The name McKenna surprisingly predates all of the “Makenna” names on the charts. McKenna made her debut in 1991, Makenna in 1994, and finally Makena in 2002. As a modern American coinage, McKenna was invented in reaction to the popularity of names like McKenzie and McKayla. Honestly, we’re not big fans of the “Makenzie/Makayla” trend. These names have gotten a little kitschy with their many respellings and excessive over-use. If you like the Hawaiian connection, we say stick with Makena. If you like the Last Names First trend, stay with McKenna.

Quick Facts

ON MCKENNA

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

Celtic

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

3

RANKING POPULARITY:

216

PRONUNCIATION:

mic-KEN-ah

SIMPLE MEANING:

Beloved of Aodh (Celtic god of fire)

Characteristics

OF MCKENNA

Mystical

Wise

Eccentric

Intuitive

Imaginative

Philosophical

Solitary

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Mckenna

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME MCKENNA

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME MCKENNA

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Mckenna


Popular Songs

ON MCKENNA

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Famous People

NAMED MCKENNA

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Children of Famous People

NAMED MCKENNA

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Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME MCKENNA

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