Origin & Meaning of the Macauley Surname
What does the last name Macauley mean?
The surname Macauley carries the meaning "Son of Macauley." It is derived from the Scottish Gaelic language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 1,537 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Macauley ranks as the #18,116 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Macauley come from?
The Macauley surname has its roots in Scottish heritage. Names of Scottish origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Macauley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Macauley trace back to Scottish Gaelic. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Macauley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Macauley |
| Origin | Scottish |
| Language | Scottish Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #18,116 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,537 |
| Per 100K People | 0.52 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Macauley
According to the US Census, the Macauley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,537 Americans with the Macauley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 76.38% |
| Black | 16.27% |
| Hispanic | 2.67% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.3% |
| Native American | 0.33% |
| Two or More Races | 3.06% |
Popularity of Macauley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Macauley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Macauley surname decreased by 174 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Macauley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Macauley.
Other Scottish Surnames
Explore more surnames with Scottish roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Scottish origin as Macauley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Macauley
Top Surnames Starting with M
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter M, ranked by population.
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