Origin & Meaning of the Mackay Surname
What does the last name Mackay mean?
The surname Mackay carries the meaning "Son of Mackay." 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 9,886 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mackay ranks as the #3,600 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mackay come from?
The Mackay 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 Mackay name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mackay 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 | Mackay |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Mackay |
| Origin | Scottish |
| Language | Scottish Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,600 |
| US Count (2010) | 9,886 |
| Per 100K People | 3.35 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mackay
According to the US Census, the Mackay surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 9,886 Americans with the Mackay last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 91.97% |
| Black | 1.55% |
| Hispanic | 3.43% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.13% |
| Native American | 0.39% |
| Two or More Races | 1.53% |
Popularity of Mackay Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mackay surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mackay surname increased by 638 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mackay
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