Origin & Meaning of the Macleod Surname
What does the last name Macleod mean?
The surname Macleod carries the meaning "Son of Macleod." 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 7,886 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Macleod ranks as the #4,495 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Macleod come from?
The Macleod 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 Macleod name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Macleod 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 | Macleod |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Macleod |
| Origin | Scottish |
| Language | Scottish Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #4,495 |
| US Count (2010) | 7,886 |
| Per 100K People | 2.67 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Macleod
According to the US Census, the Macleod surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 7,886 Americans with the Macleod last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 93.96% |
| Black | 0.81% |
| Hispanic | 2.36% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.68% |
| Native American | 0.36% |
| Two or More Races | 1.83% |
Popularity of Macleod Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Macleod surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Macleod surname increased by 344 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Macleod
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