Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Mccoy has its roots in Irish culture and means 'son of Aodh', with Aodh signifying 'fire'. It evolved from the Old Irish 'Mac Aodha' to its present form. The surname gained traction in the 19th century, especially in America. Mccoy conveys traits of authenticity and individuality and has notable figures associated with it, though it has no biblical ties.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/məˈkɔɪ/
Origin
Irish
Etymology
The surname Mccoy is derived from the Gaelic 'Mac Aodha', which means 'son of Aodh'. Aodh is a name that means 'fire' in Irish mythology.
Meaning
son of Aodh
Language Evolution
Mac Aodha (Old Irish), Mccoy (Modern English)
Historical Usage
The surname Mccoy gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly among Irish immigrants to the United States.
Variants & Derivatives
McCoy, MacCoy, Mackoy
Modern Popularity & Image
Mccoy is often associated with a sense of authenticity and uniqueness, partly due to its use in popular culture references.
Famous People
Hugh Mccoy, a notable politician, William Mccoy, a famous bootlegger during Prohibition, Mccoy Tyner, a renowned jazz pianist
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 303 peak births in 2021
Geographic Spread
Popular across 35 US states, with strongest presence in Utah
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 9 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (2 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 2 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 2074th of 7545 | 242 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1954th of 6773 | 257 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2540th of 7552 | 197 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 6381st of 10718 | 36 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 4682nd of 16616 | 159 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 2300th of 24088 | 812 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 998th of 23106 | 2,554 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 28314th of 35406 | 13 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 11981st of 30306 | 87 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
65.22% 1543rd/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
59.07% 1390th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - |
61.62% 1758th/2853 |
- |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - |
63.94% 4039th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
48.47% 2221st/4582 |
- |
47.20% 3452nd/7313 |
22.16% 1654th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
19.55% 779th/3984 |
55.85% 2506th/4487 |
17.50% 1194th/6822 |
12.72% 798th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Utah across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been too falling for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2074th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1954th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2540th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 6381st out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 4682nd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 2300th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 998th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 28314th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 11981st out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.