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 #806 in 2025 — currently #806 in the US.
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Related Reading
Ireland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell McCoy?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
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 Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
McCoy John
One syllable · timeless choice
McCoy Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
McCoy Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
McCoy Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
McCoy Dean
One syllable · on the rise
How popular is McCoy right now?
Rising fast — up 105 spots — currently #806 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #806 | 309 | ▲ up 105 · +20% births |
| 2024 | #911 | 257 | ▲ up 62 · +14% births |
| 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 | — |
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 2025:
McCoy by decade
McCoy peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s 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 | 825 | |
💎With 3,259 total births, McCoy is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for McCoy?
What names sound and feel like McCoy?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love McCoy also consider these
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 muk-OY. 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.