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McKenna – Name Meaning

The name McKenna is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic Mac Cionnaith, meaning “son of the fair one” or “son of the handsome one.” It is a popular name in both Ireland and Scotland, and has been used as a given name for both boys and girls.

History and Origin

The McKenna surname originated in Ireland during the Middle Ages. The McKenna family was an influential clan in County Monaghan, where they held lands since at least the 12th century. The McKenna family was also prominent in County Donegal, where they were known as Lords of Tullyhaw. In Scotland, the McKenna family was prominent in Aberdeenshire, where they held lands since at least the 16th century.

Symbolism

The name McKenna is associated with strength and courage. It is also associated with beauty and grace, as it means “son of the fair one” or “son of the handsome one.” The name can also be seen as a symbol of loyalty and devotion.

Nicknames

Common nicknames for McKenna include Ken, Kenna, Mack, and Mick.

Matching Names in Love and Friendship – Compatibility

McKenna pairs well with other Irish names such as Aiden, Liam, Ryan, and Sean. It also pairs well with Scottish names such as Angus, Duncan, Finlay, and Logan. For female names that pair well with McKenna, consider Abigail, Fiona, Isla, Maeve, or Siobhan.

By Ava Isabella Hartley

Ava Isabella Hartley is a renowned expert in the field of onomastics, the study of names and their meanings, with a particular focus on baby names. She holds a Master's degree in Linguistics from the University of Cambridge and has over 15 years of experience in the study of etymology, name trends, and cultural naming practices.

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