Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Mckenna
GirlIrish· “son of Cionaodh”
- Meaning
- son of Cionaodh
- Origin
- Irish
- Pronunciation
- muh-KEN-uh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #410
- US babies 2025
- 758
- Best rank
- #177 (2002)
- Peak year
- 2002
Meaning and origin of Mckenna
Mckenna is an Irish name that is usually said to mean “son of Cionaodh”.
McKenna is an Irish surname, an English form of Mac Cionaoith, meaning "son of Cionaodh." Cionaodh is the Irish equivalent of Kenneth, and its own meaning is uncertain, though it is often linked to fire. The surname has long been common in Ireland, especially in the north, and it began to be used as a girls' first name in the United States in the late twentieth century. Its three syllables and soft ending give it a bright, friendly feel. Kenna is a natural short form, and the name fits alongside other Irish surname choices like Delaney and Reagan.
Popularity over time
Mckenna first appears in US Social Security records in 1972. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 35 different years, starting in 1991. Its best national rank was #177 in 2002, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,795 babies. In 2025, 758 babies were named Mckenna, and it ranked #410 nationally. That is 42% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #188 in 2000, #228 in 2010, and #410 in 2025. Of the 44,308 US girls named Mckenna since records began, 37% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 13,221 babies. Since 2010, 18,993 more have been named Mckenna.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Nayeli, Abby, Macy, Perla, and Elisabeth.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Mckenna ranked highest in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Delaware.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | #131 | 10 |
| Massachusetts | #186 | 30 |
| Delaware | #206 | 5 |
| South Dakota | #221 | 6 |
| New Jersey | #225 | 37 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Mckenna is usually pronounced muh-KEN-uh, with three syllables. It has seven letters, starts with M and ends in “-na”.
Middle names for Mckenna
A few middle names that flow with Mckenna: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Mckenna
Similar names
Brianna Girl
bree-AN-uh
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fee-OH-nuh
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Briana Girl
bree-AH-nuh
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Makenna Girl
muh-KEN-uh
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Alanna Girl
uh-LAN-uh
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Athena Girl
uh-THEE-nuh
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Ximena Girl
hee-MEH-nuh
“possibly from Simon, 'he has heard'” · Spanish
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Alana Girl
uh-LAN-uh
“feminine form of Alan” · Breton
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Alina Girl
uh-LEE-nuh
“short form of Adelina, 'noble'” · Germanic
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Alaina Girl
uh-LAY-nuh
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Julianna Girl
joo-lee-AN-uh
“from Julius, possibly 'youthful'” · Latin
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Elliana Girl
el-ee-AH-nuh
“my God has answered” · Hebrew
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Lists that include Mckenna
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Mckenna mean?
Mckenna is an Irish name that is usually said to mean “son of Cionaodh”.
What is the origin of the name Mckenna?
Mckenna has Irish roots. McKenna is an Irish surname, an English form of Mac Cionaoith, meaning "son of Cionaodh." Cionaodh is the Irish equivalent of Kenneth, and its own meaning is uncertain, though it is often linked to fire.
Is Mckenna a popular name?
Yes. Mckenna ranked #410 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Mckenna a boy or girl name?
Mckenna is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Mckenna?
Mckenna is usually pronounced muh-KEN-uh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings