Surname M'Kinley - Meaning and Origin

M'Kinley: What does the surname M'Kinley mean?

The last name M'Kinley is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Gaelic Mac Fhionghuin meaning "son of Fingon". It is associated with the Clan MacKinley, one of the larger and more influential clans of the western Highlands and Islands region of Scotland.

The M'Kinley clan is associated with the ancient Province of Lome, on the island of Islay off the west coast of Scotland. This region was known for its seafaring abilities, producing great sailors. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the M'Kinleys were active in coastal trading, providing goods and services between Scotland and England.

The M'Kinleys were also renowned for their skill in battle, particularly in the famous Battle of Drumclog, where the M'Kinleys were heavily involved in a dispute between two neighboring Scottish families. The M'Kinleys emerged victorious from the conflict, furthering their reputation as formidable warriors.

Today, the M'Kinley name carries a great sense of pride and prestige. Those whose lineage has been associated with the M'Kinley clan often take pride in their family’s Scottish heritage and are inspired by the accomplishments of their ancestors. They strive to live a life of honor and leadership, following the values and traditions passed down through the generations.

M'Kinley: Where does the name M'Kinley come from?

The last name M'Kinley is most commonly found in the United States of America. According to the Social Security Administration, M'Kinley was ranked as the 2392nd most popular name in the country in 2020. It was the 3,179th most popular name in 2019, suggesting that the name is gaining popularity.

The name M'Kinley is believed to be of Scottish origin and may have been derived from the Gaelic Mac Finleith, meaning "son of Finleith," a personal name from the Middle Ages composed of two Celtic elements, the first meaning "bright tournament" and the second element meaning "loud-voiced."

The most recent president of the United States to carry the name M'Kinley was William M'Kinley, who was in office from 1897 to 1901. M'Kinley is believed to be the most common spelling of the name, but McKinley, McKinly, and McKinnley are all variations that are also found in the United States.

In addition to the United States, records indicate that the last name M'Kinley is also found in Canada, England, Scotland, Australia, and New Zealand. However, it is much less common in these countries than it is in the United States.

Variations of the surname M'Kinley

McKinley is a surname that has many variants, spellings, and other surnames of the same origin. The most common variant is MacKinley, with spellings such as M’Kinley, McKinley, and Makinley all falling under the same umbrella.

McKinley is a Scottish surname, likely derived from the Scottish Gaelic “MacFhionnlaigh”, which translates roughly to “fair son” or “son of the fair one.” It is likely related to the surnames MacKenzie, Kenney, and Kinley. Additionally, the surname appears to have originated in the Scottish region of Islay, which is a small island off the west coast of Scotland.

Variants of the name McKinley include MacKinley, also spelt Makinlay, McKinnley, Mackinlay, Makinly, and MacKinlay. Some other surnames of similar origin include Kynley, Kinley, Kenney, Keeny, and Mackennie. These spelling variations of the surname McKinley are common in both Scotland and Ireland.

There is also a MacKinley sept of Clan Abernethy in Scotland from which the name may be derived. The Abernethy clans trace their roots to a 12th-century Norman magnate named Ernulf de Abernethy, who was a follower of King David I of Scotland.

Notably, the surname McKinley is also found in North America, as many Scottish and Irish immigrants settled in the United States and Canada. As a result, families with the surname McKinley are found all over the Anglophone world, including North America, the UK and Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.

Famous people with the name M'Kinley

• William McKinley (1843-1901), 25th President of the United States.
• Ida Saxton McKinley (1847-1907), wife of William McKinley.
• William McKinley Jr. (1893-1901), son of William and Ida McKinley.
• Abigail McKinley (1854-1938), daughter of William and Ida McKinley.
• William McKinley (1917-1944), American Private during World War II who received the United States Medal of Honor posthumously.
• Anna McKinley (1850-1931), daughter of William and Ida McKinley.
• Ruth Heaton McKinley (1884-1925), daughter of William and Ida McKinley.
• Love M. McKinley (1875-1963), American educator and writer.
• Marie Shannon McKinley (1869-1943), daughter of William and Ida McKinley.
• Scott McKinley (1959-present), American actor and comedian.
• William McKinley (1842-1911), two-term United States Congressman from Ohio.
• Katherine McKinley (1906-1993), American botanist and author.
• Martha McKinley (born 1846), sister of William McKinley.
• George M. McKinley (1885-1967), American business executive and politician.
• Abigail Barker McKinley (1856-1933), wife of William McKinley Jr.
• William McKinley (born 1961), American author and speaker.
• Clay McKinley (born 1962), American songwriter and musician.
• James H. McKinley Jr. (born 1936), member of the United States House of Representatives from New York.
• Marie Shuster McKinley (1845-1922), daughter of William and Ida McKinley.
• William McKinley (born 1983), 8th Lieutenant Governor of Montana.

Other surnames

M'Kinlay