How common is the McKay surname?

There are approximately 25,000 people with the surname McKay in the United States.

Are there McKay soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 1,077 soldiers with the McKay surname appear in Civil War records.

McKay

Q: What does the surname McKay mean?

The surname McKay means "Son of Kay, derived from the personal name Kay or a variant of MacKay.". It is of Scottish/Irish origin.

Patronymic

Meaning

Son of Kay, derived from the personal name Kay or a variant of MacKay.

Etymology

The 'Mc' prefix denotes 'son of' in Scottish and Irish Gaelic. Kay may derive from the Gaelic personal name Cadhla or be a shortened form of a longer name.

About the McKay Surname

A common Scottish and Irish patronymic surname with medieval origins. The name has been well-documented in Scottish genealogical records since the medieval period.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 25,000 bearers in the United States #739 most common surname

Rare Common

Primarily found in Scotland and Northern Ireland, with significant diaspora in North America.

McKay Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

People with the McKay Surname

W.H. McKay

Quick Facts

Origin: Scottish/Irish
Classification: Patronymic
Earliest Record: 15th century
Estimated Bearers: 25,000

War Records

1,077 soldiers with the McKay surname found in Civil War records.

Search war records →