McCoy

“son of the son of the captain” — Associated with the expression 'the real McCoy'

Ireland origin · Unisex name

♂ 98% boys♀ 2% girls

#973US 2023

226Births / yr

↓Falling

3.3kAll-time births

📅 Since 200500

How to pronounce McCoy

muk·OY

/mək.ˈɔɪ/ · stress on OY · 2 syllables

“son of the son of the captain”

Associated with the expression 'the real McCoy' · Ireland origin

What does McCoy mean and where does it come from?

McCoy is primarily an Irish surname that has also become a given name. It literally means 'son of Aodh' or 'descendant of Aodh', where Aodh means 'fire'. Historically, it has been used as a surname in Ireland, and it is often associated with the expression 'the real McCoy', indicating authenticity o

Cultural significance

McCoy has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Ireland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of son of the son of the captain.

Peak popularity

Reached #10486 in 2019 — currently #973 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell McCoy?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Mckoy

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with McCoy?

McCoy works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

McCoy Grace

How popular is McCoy right now?

Falling — down 112 spots — currently #973 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 2005–2023#973 · Top 0.72%

2005

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#973	226	▼ down 112 · -20% births
2022	#861	281	▼ down 41 · -4% births
2021	#820	292	▲ up 11302 · +4071% births
2020	#12122	7	▲ up 919
2015	#13041	7	▲ up 3529 · +40% births
2005	#16570	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for McCoy

Best Year2021Rank #820

Peak Count292

Average Rank#7398

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range2005 - 20236 years

The story of McCoy

McCoy is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2005. With 3,259 total births recorded, McCoy remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #16570 in 2005 to #973 in 2023. McCoy is used for both genders: 2% female and 98% male.

Names that peaked alongside McCoy in 2019:

Olivia Emma Ava Sophia Isabella

McCoy by decade

McCoy peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →

Decade	Births
1900s	5
1910s	120
1920s	136
1930s	148
1940s	144
1950s	111
1960s	44
1970s	23
1980s	53
1990s	199
2000s	423
2010s ★	1,608
2020s	245

💎With 3,259 total births, McCoy is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for McCoy?

Common

MccMccoyieMccoyy

What names sound and feel like McCoy?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love McCoy also consider these

McCord

Ireland · Son of the

McKoy

American · son of the

Maccoy

Ireland · Irish

McCai

Ireland · A beloved name

Macoy

Philippines · A variant of

Nicoy

English · A meaningful name

Common questions about the name McCoy

What does the name McCoy mean?

McCoy means "son of the son of the captain" — a name rooted in Ireland tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name McCoy?

McCoy is currently ranked #973 as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for McCoy have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of McCoy?

McCoy originates from Ireland tradition. Ireland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name McCoy?

McCoy is a two-syllable name pronounced M AH0 K OY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is McCoy trending right now?

McCoy is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.