Macmillan — Last Name Origin & Meaning

Scottish origin Rank #6,041 in the US 5,688 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#6,041
▼ Down 316 since 2000
People in the US
5,688
1.93 per 100K people
Origin
Scottish
Scottish Gaelic

Origin & Meaning of the Macmillan Surname

What does the last name Macmillan mean?

The surname Macmillan carries the meaning "Son of Macmillan." 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 5,688 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Macmillan ranks as the #6,041 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Macmillan come from?

The Macmillan 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 Macmillan name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Macmillan 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.

Scottish Scottish Gaelic

Quick Facts

Surname Macmillan
Meaning Son of Macmillan
Origin Scottish
Language Scottish Gaelic
US Rank (2010) #6,041
US Count (2010) 5,688
Per 100K People 1.93
First Letter M

Ethnic Distribution of Macmillan

According to the US Census, the Macmillan surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 5,688 Americans with the Macmillan last name.

White 93.69%
Black 1.79%
Hispanic 2.23%
Asian/PI 0.72%
Native American 0.23%
Two+ Races 1.34%
Ethnic distribution of the Macmillan surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White93.69%
Black1.79%
Hispanic2.23%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.72%
Native American0.23%
Two or More Races1.34%

Popularity of Macmillan Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Macmillan surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#5,725
5,553 people
Down 316
Census 2010
#6,041
5,688 people

The number of Americans with the Macmillan surname increased by 135 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Macmillan Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Macmillan ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

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Similar Surnames to Macmillan

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Macmillan.

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 Macmillan.

Frequently Asked Questions About Macmillan

The surname Macmillan is of Scottish origin. Son of Macmillan
The surname Macmillan is ranked #6,041 in the United States with approximately 5,688 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
Son of Macmillan. The name has Scottish roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Macmillan surname is distributed as: 93.7% White. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Macmillan ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

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