McKay

Patronymic

Meaning

Son of Kay, derived from the personal name Kay or a variant of MacKay.

Etymology

The 'Mc' prefix denotes 'son of' in Scottish and Irish Gaelic. Kay may derive from the Gaelic personal name Cadhla or be a shortened form of a longer name.

About the McKay Surname

A common Scottish and Irish patronymic surname with medieval origins. The name has been well-documented in Scottish genealogical records since the medieval period.

Distribution

Primarily found in Scotland and Northern Ireland, with significant diaspora in North America.

Notable Bearers

Peter McKay, Heather McKay