McKay

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

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

Notable Bearers

Peter McKay, Heather McKay

People with the McKay Surname

W.H. McKay