Origin & Meaning of the Mackey Surname
What does the last name Mackey mean?
The surname Mackey carries the meaning "Son of Mackey." 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 30,749 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mackey ranks as the #1,143 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mackey come from?
The Mackey 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 Mackey name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mackey 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 | Mackey |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Mackey |
| Origin | Scottish |
| Language | Scottish Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,143 |
| US Count (2010) | 30,749 |
| Per 100K People | 10.42 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mackey
According to the US Census, the Mackey surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 30,749 Americans with the Mackey last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 69.46% |
| Black | 24.43% |
| Hispanic | 2.36% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.52% |
| Native American | 0.8% |
| Two or More Races | 2.43% |
Popularity of Mackey Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mackey surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mackey surname increased by 1,031 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Mackey Family
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- ✓ The Mackey coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Where Mackey families live today
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Similar Surnames to Mackey
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Mackey.
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 Mackey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mackey
Top Surnames Starting with M
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter M, ranked by population.
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