How common is the MacKaye surname?

There are approximately 1,500 people with the surname MacKaye in the United States.

MacKaye

Q: What does the surname MacKaye mean?

The surname MacKaye means "Son of Kay, from a personal name of uncertain etymology possibly related to 'key' or a Gaelic name.". It is of Scottish Gaelic origin.

Patronymic

Meaning

Son of Kay, from a personal name of uncertain etymology possibly related to 'key' or a Gaelic name.

Etymology

Mac- denotes 'son of' in Scottish Gaelic. Kay may derive from various sources including the English name or Gaelic personal names, with etymology remaining uncertain.

About the MacKaye Surname

A Scottish patronymic surname with unclear origins and limited historical documentation. The name may have connections to the more common MacKay surname.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 1,500 bearers in the United States #3,210 most common surname

Rare Common

Found in Scotland with scattered occurrences in other parts of the British Isles.

Notable Bearers

People with the MacKaye Surname

Hazel MacKaye

Playwright

Quick Facts

Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Classification: Patronymic
Earliest Record: 15th century
Estimated Bearers: 1,500