Origin & Meaning of the Macpherson Surname
What does the last name Macpherson mean?
The surname Macpherson carries the meaning "Son of Macpher." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 5,579 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Macpherson ranks as the #6,140 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Macpherson come from?
The Macpherson surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English 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 Macpherson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Macpherson trace back to Old English. 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 | Macpherson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Macpher |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #6,140 |
| US Count (2010) | 5,579 |
| Per 100K People | 1.89 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Macpherson
According to the US Census, the Macpherson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 5,579 Americans with the Macpherson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 92.69% |
| Black | 0.81% |
| Hispanic | 3.62% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.7% |
| Native American | 0.47% |
| Two or More Races | 1.72% |
Popularity of Macpherson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Macpherson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Macpherson surname increased by 115 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Macpherson
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