“son of the fair warrior” — Associated with William McKinley
American origin · Unisex name
♂ 47% boys♀ 53% girls
#636US 2023
460Births / yr
↑Rising
20.4kAll-time births
📅 Since 197800.05% of births at peak
How to pronounce McKinley
muk·INL·ee
/mək.ˈɪnl.iː/ · stress on INL · 3 syllables
“son of the fair warrior”
Associated with William McKinley · American origin
What does McKinley mean and where does it come from?
McKinley is a surname of Scottish origin that has become popular as a given name, particularly in the United States. It was notably used as a first name for girls in the late 20th century. The name is often associated with William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States. The surname implie
Cultural significance
McKinley has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of son of the fair warrior.
Rising — up 18 spots — currently #636 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
US Trend 1980–2023#636 · Top 0.47%
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2021
2022
2023
Year
US Rank
Births
vs Prior Year
2023
#636
460
▲ up 18 · +2% births
2022
#654
453
▼ down 111 · -20% births
2021
#543
563
▲ up 12 · +6% births
2020
#555
532
▼ down 176 · -38% births
2015
#379
859
▲ up 175 · +63% births
2010
#554
526
▲ up 496 · +132% births
2005
#1050
227
▲ up 99 · +29% births
2000
#1149
176
▲ up 880 · +163% births
1995
#2029
67
▲ up 4135 · +379% births
1990
#6164
14
▲ up 3228 · +133% births
1985
#9392
6
▼ down 220
1980
#9172
6
—
Name Popularity Timeline
Popularity Statistics for McKinley
2015Rank #379
859
#2690
↗Rising
1980 - 202312 years
The story of McKinley
McKinley is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1978. A total of 20,395 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #9172 in 1980 to #636 in 2023. McKinley is used for both genders: 53% female and 47% male.
McKinley means "son of the fair warrior" — a name rooted in American 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 McKinley?
McKinley is currently ranked #636 as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of McKinley?
McKinley originates from American tradition. American 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 McKinley?
McKinley is a three-syllable name pronounced M AH0 K IH1 N L IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with McKinley?
McKinley pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Sibling names that pair with McKinley
For a sister
McKinley & Avery♡
McKinley & Ivy♡
McKinley & Willow♡
McKinley & Zoey♡
For a brother
McKinley & Oliver♡
McKinley & Elijah♡
McKinley & Hudson♡
McKinley & Ethan♡
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Worldwide ranking · 2023
Country
Rank
🇺🇸 USA
#636
🇬🇧 UK
—
🇨🇦 Canada
—
🇦🇺 Australia
—
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