Mckai represents a modern respelling of the Scottish surname MacKay, itself derived from the Gaelic mac Aodh, meaning “son of Aodh” (with Aodh signifying “fire”). In the United States, this concise, two-syllable appellation has maintained a modest but steady presence: annual occurrences have ranged from five to ten newborn boys, and its rank has fluctuated between roughly 875 and 933 over the past decade. Pronounced muh-KAI (/məˈkaɪ/), Mckai appeals to parents who appreciate its crisp phonetics and authentic Celtic roots. Its consistent placement well outside the top 500 underscores a niche preference, reflecting a deliberate blend of tradition and individuality.