Origin & Meaning of the Mccarthy Surname
What does the last name Mccarthy mean?
The surname Mccarthy carries the meaning "Son of Mccarthy." 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 82,950 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mccarthy ranks as the #384 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mccarthy come from?
The Mccarthy 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 Mccarthy name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mccarthy 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 | Mccarthy |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Mccarthy |
| Origin | Irish/Scottish |
| Language | Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #384 |
| US Count (2010) | 82,950 |
| Per 100K People | 28.12 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mccarthy
According to the US Census, the Mccarthy surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 82,950 Americans with the Mccarthy last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 92.29% |
| Black | 3.25% |
| Hispanic | 2.24% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.68% |
| Native American | 0.27% |
| Two or More Races | 1.27% |
Popularity of Mccarthy Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mccarthy surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mccarthy surname increased by 1,915 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Mccarthy
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Mccarthy.
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 Mccarthy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mccarthy
Top Surnames Starting with M
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter M, ranked by population.
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