Origin & Meaning of the Macdonald Surname
What does the last name Macdonald mean?
The surname Macdonald carries the meaning "Son of Macdonald." 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 46,717 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Macdonald ranks as the #744 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Macdonald come from?
The Macdonald 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 Macdonald name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Macdonald 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 | Macdonald |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Macdonald |
| Origin | Scottish |
| Language | Scottish Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #744 |
| US Count (2010) | 46,717 |
| Per 100K People | 15.84 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Macdonald
According to the US Census, the Macdonald surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 46,717 Americans with the Macdonald last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 93.72% |
| Black | 1.06% |
| Hispanic | 2.37% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.85% |
| Native American | 0.43% |
| Two or More Races | 1.58% |
Popularity of Macdonald Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Macdonald surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Macdonald surname increased by 935 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Macdonald Family
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- ✓ The Macdonald coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Macdonald
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Macdonald.
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 Macdonald.
Frequently Asked Questions About Macdonald
Top Surnames Starting with M
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter M, ranked by population.
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