Origin & Meaning of the Macgregor Surname
What does the last name Macgregor mean?
The surname Macgregor carries the meaning "Son of Macgregor." 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 5,161 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Macgregor ranks as the #6,565 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Macgregor come from?
The Macgregor 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 Macgregor name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Macgregor 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 | Macgregor |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Macgregor |
| Origin | Scottish |
| Language | Scottish Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #6,565 |
| US Count (2010) | 5,161 |
| Per 100K People | 1.75 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Macgregor
According to the US Census, the Macgregor surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 5,161 Americans with the Macgregor last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 93.76% |
| Black | 0.76% |
| Hispanic | 3.06% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.68% |
| Native American | 0.35% |
| Two or More Races | 1.4% |
Popularity of Macgregor Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Macgregor surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Macgregor surname increased by 97 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Scottish Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Macgregor
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