McKinley

Meaning

Son of the fair-haired warrior or descendant of Finlay.

Etymology

Derived from Gaelic Mac Fhionnlaigh, where Fionnlagh combines fionn (fair) and laogh (warrior). The surname evolved through Anglicization from the Scottish Highlands, with McKinlay and McKinley as modern variants.

About the McKinley Surname

A prominent Scottish patronymic surname with strong presence in North America due to immigration. The surname gained prominence through U.S. political history.

Distribution

Widespread in United States, Scotland, and Canada.

Notable Bearers

William McKinley (25th U.S. President), Ida Saxton McKinley

People with the McKinley Surname