Origin & Meaning of the Mcclain Surname
What does the last name Mcclain mean?
The surname Mcclain carries the meaning "Son of Mcclain." 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 48,165 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mcclain ranks as the #722 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mcclain come from?
The Mcclain 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 Mcclain name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mcclain 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 | Mcclain |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Mcclain |
| Origin | Irish/Scottish |
| Language | Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #722 |
| US Count (2010) | 48,165 |
| Per 100K People | 16.33 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mcclain
According to the US Census, the Mcclain surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 48,165 Americans with the Mcclain last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 61.11% |
| Black | 33.1% |
| Hispanic | 2.37% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.36% |
| Native American | 0.49% |
| Two or More Races | 2.57% |
Popularity of Mcclain Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mcclain surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mcclain surname increased by 2,605 between 2000 and 2010.
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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 Mcclain.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mcclain
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