Origin & Meaning of the Mccleary Surname
What does the last name Mccleary mean?
The surname Mccleary carries the meaning "Son of Mccleary." 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 6,554 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mccleary ranks as the #5,317 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mccleary come from?
The Mccleary 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 Mccleary name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mccleary 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 | Mccleary |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Mccleary |
| Origin | Irish/Scottish |
| Language | Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #5,317 |
| US Count (2010) | 6,554 |
| Per 100K People | 2.22 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mccleary
According to the US Census, the Mccleary surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 6,554 Americans with the Mccleary last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 82.9% |
| Black | 11.52% |
| Hispanic | 2.69% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.69% |
| Native American | 0.2% |
| Two or More Races | 2.01% |
Popularity of Mccleary Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mccleary surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mccleary surname increased by 181 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 Mccleary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mccleary
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