The spelling of the word "McKenna" can be a bit tricky for those unfamiliar with Irish names. The correct pronunciation is /məˈkɛnə/, with emphasis on the second syllable. The "Mc" is an abbreviation of "Mac," which means "son of" in Irish, and the "K" is used instead of "C" to reflect the traditional Gaelic spelling. When spelling "McKenna," it's important to remember to use a capital "M" and to include both "n"s at the end of the name.
McKenna is primarily a surname of Scottish origin. It is an anglicized variant of the Gaelic name Mac Cionaodha, which means "son of Cionaodha." The name Cionaodha is derived from the Gaelic elements "cine," meaning "family or race," and "Aodh," meaning "fire." As a surname, McKenna is associated with the clan Mac Cionaodha, which has its roots in County Monaghan, Ireland.
As a first name, McKenna has gained popularity in recent decades. It is often used as a given name for both boys and girls, although it is more commonly associated with females. McKenna as a personal name carries no specific meaning on its own, but it preserves the historic and cultural significance of the McKenna surname.
In contemporary usage, McKenna is often chosen for its melodic sound and its association with strength, resilience, and heritage. It represents someone with Scottish or Irish roots, and can evoke feelings of tradition and resilience. It is a name that can convey a sense of unique individuality and a connection to one's familial origins.
Overall, McKenna is a name with a rich history and cultural significance, carrying associations of family, fire, and a proud Scottish and Irish heritage.
The surname "McKenna" is of Irish origin. It is an anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic name "Mac Cionaoith", which means "son of Cionnaith". "Cionnaith" itself is derived from the Old Irish name "Cennétig", meaning "head chief" or "leader of the people". The prefix "Mac" means "son of", and the anglicized form of "Mac Cionaoith" became "McKenna". Therefore, the etymology of the word "McKenna" can be traced back to Irish Gaelic, indicating its Irish roots.