Origin & Meaning of the Macfarlane Surname
What does the last name Macfarlane mean?
The surname Macfarlane carries the meaning "Son of Macfarlane." 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 4,605 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Macfarlane ranks as the #7,243 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Macfarlane come from?
The Macfarlane 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 Macfarlane name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Macfarlane 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 | Macfarlane |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Macfarlane |
| Origin | Scottish |
| Language | Scottish Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #7,243 |
| US Count (2010) | 4,605 |
| Per 100K People | 1.56 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Macfarlane
According to the US Census, the Macfarlane surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,605 Americans with the Macfarlane last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 93.22% |
| Black | 1.69% |
| Hispanic | 2.63% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.72% |
| Native American | 0.3% |
| Two or More Races | 1.43% |
Popularity of Macfarlane Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Macfarlane surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Macfarlane surname increased by 168 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Macfarlane
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Macfarlane.
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 Macfarlane.
Frequently Asked Questions About Macfarlane
Top Surnames Starting with M
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter M, ranked by population.
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