Origin & Meaning of the Mcarthur Surname
What does the last name Mcarthur mean?
The surname Mcarthur carries the meaning "Son of Mcarthur." It is derived from the Gaelic language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 12,683 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mcarthur ranks as the #2,844 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mcarthur come from?
The Mcarthur surname has its roots in Irish/Scottish heritage. Names of Irish/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 Mcarthur name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mcarthur trace back to 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 | Mcarthur |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Mcarthur |
| Origin | Irish/Scottish |
| Language | Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,844 |
| US Count (2010) | 12,683 |
| Per 100K People | 4.3 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mcarthur
According to the US Census, the Mcarthur surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 12,683 Americans with the Mcarthur last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 75.35% |
| Black | 17.59% |
| Hispanic | 3.01% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.52% |
| Native American | 1.01% |
| Two or More Races | 2.52% |
Popularity of Mcarthur Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mcarthur surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mcarthur surname increased by 531 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Mcarthur
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Mcarthur.
Other Irish/Scottish Surnames
Explore more surnames with Irish/Scottish roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Irish/Scottish origin as Mcarthur.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mcarthur
Top Surnames Starting with M
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter M, ranked by population.
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