Origin & Meaning of the Mackenzie Surname
What does the last name Mackenzie mean?
The surname Mackenzie carries the meaning "Son of Mackenzie." 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 13,733 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mackenzie ranks as the #2,628 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mackenzie come from?
The Mackenzie 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 Mackenzie name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mackenzie 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 | Mackenzie |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Mackenzie |
| Origin | Scottish |
| Language | Scottish Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,628 |
| US Count (2010) | 13,733 |
| Per 100K People | 4.66 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mackenzie
According to the US Census, the Mackenzie surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 13,733 Americans with the Mackenzie last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 92.62% |
| Black | 1.36% |
| Hispanic | 3.01% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.84% |
| Native American | 0.31% |
| Two or More Races | 1.86% |
Popularity of Mackenzie Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mackenzie surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mackenzie surname increased by 559 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mackenzie
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