Origin & Meaning of the Mcclay Surname
What does the last name Mcclay mean?
The surname Mcclay carries the meaning "Son of Mcclay." 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 2,208 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mcclay ranks as the #13,707 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mcclay come from?
The Mcclay 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 Mcclay name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mcclay 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 | Mcclay |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Mcclay |
| Origin | Irish/Scottish |
| Language | Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #13,707 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,208 |
| Per 100K People | 0.75 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mcclay
According to the US Census, the Mcclay surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,208 Americans with the Mcclay last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 75.18% |
| Black | 19.7% |
| Hispanic | 1.68% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.72% |
| Native American | 0.82% |
| Two or More Races | 1.9% |
Popularity of Mcclay Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mcclay surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mcclay surname decreased by 70 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 Mcclay.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mcclay
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