Mackinley
Meaning of Mackinley
Mackinley, pronounced muh-KIN-lee (/məˈkɪnli/), is a unisex given name of Scottish Gaelic origin, derived as an Anglicized variant of Mac Fhionnlaich, literally “son of the fair hero.” Historically associated with Scottish clans and toponymic usage, the name achieved broader recognition in North America through its adoption as an explorer’s surname and its link to Denali National Park and Preserve—formerly designated Mount McKinley—in Alaska. In the 2024 registration cycle, nine births were recorded under the name, securing the rank of #941, within a broader historical pattern that has seen annual occurrences oscillate between six and twenty-eight and popularity ranks between #853 and #979 since the late 1990s. The name’s unisex application reflects contemporary trends in gender-neutral naming, while its phonetic structure—marked by a stressed medial syllable—ensures both precision of enunciation and a sense of formal resonance. Grounded in a clear etymological framework and supported by consistent statistical data, Mackinley offers a distinctive choice for those seeking a name that balances historical depth with measured modernity.
Pronunciation
English
- Pronunced as muh-KIN-lee (/məˈkɪnli/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
