Origin & Meaning of the Mccay Surname
What does the last name Mccay mean?
The surname Mccay carries the meaning "Son of Mccay." 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 2,607 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mccay ranks as the #11,982 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mccay come from?
The Mccay 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 Mccay name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mccay 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 | Mccay |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Mccay |
| Origin | Irish/Scottish |
| Language | Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #11,982 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,607 |
| Per 100K People | 0.88 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mccay
According to the US Census, the Mccay surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,607 Americans with the Mccay last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 89.18% |
| Black | 5.18% |
| Hispanic | 1.8% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.77% |
| Native American | 0.96% |
| Two or More Races | 2.11% |
Popularity of Mccay Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mccay surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mccay surname decreased by 44 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Mccay
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Mccay.
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 Mccay.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mccay
Top Surnames Starting with M
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter M, ranked by population.
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