McKenzie

McKenzie is a surname of Scottish origin, a variant of Mackenzie, derived from the Gaelic Mac Coinneachaidh (son of Coinneach) or Mac Coinneach. The name is associated with the Scottish Highlands and is found in Anglophone countries around the world due to historical migration.

Historically, the name is linked with Clan Mackenzie, a Highland Scottish clan prominent in the counties of Ross, Sutherland and the western Highlands. The chiefs of the clan were based in the Kintail region, and the area around Eilean Donan Castle is closely connected with the Mackenzies.

From the 17th through the 19th centuries, members of Clan Mackenzie and others bearing the name emigrated to North America, Australia, and elsewhere, contributing to the spread of the surname. Today, McKenzie is widely found in Scotland’s diaspora and in countries settled by Scottish and Irish immigrants.

Geographically, the name is used for various places and is associated with natural features such as the McKenzie River in Oregon. In the United States and Canada, several towns, counties and other geographic features bear the name, reflecting its widespread use in place-names across North America.

Variants and spelling include Mackenzie, MacKenzie, and other forms; McKenzie generally reflects a modern Anglicization, while Mackenzie is common in Scotland and parts of Canada. The name is also used as a given name, especially in North America, and is borne by individuals in diverse fields such as sports, politics, and the arts.