Origin & Meaning of the Machen Surname
What does the last name Machen mean?
The surname Machen carries the meaning "Son of Machen." 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 2,077 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Machen ranks as the #14,392 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Machen come from?
The Machen 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 Machen name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Machen 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 | Machen |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Machen |
| Origin | Scottish |
| Language | Scottish Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #14,392 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,077 |
| Per 100K People | 0.7 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Machen
According to the US Census, the Machen surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,077 Americans with the Machen last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 82.33% |
| Black | 9.05% |
| Hispanic | 4.33% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.49% |
| Native American | 1.11% |
| Two or More Races | 1.69% |
Popularity of Machen Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Machen surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Machen surname increased by 93 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Scottish Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Machen
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