Origin & Meaning of the Mcclellan Surname
What does the last name Mcclellan mean?
The surname Mcclellan carries the meaning "Son of Mcclellan." 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 26,060 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mcclellan ranks as the #1,356 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mcclellan come from?
The Mcclellan 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 Mcclellan name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mcclellan 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 | Mcclellan |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Mcclellan |
| Origin | Irish/Scottish |
| Language | Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,356 |
| US Count (2010) | 26,060 |
| Per 100K People | 8.83 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mcclellan
According to the US Census, the Mcclellan surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 26,060 Americans with the Mcclellan last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 81.0% |
| Black | 13.53% |
| Hispanic | 2.06% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.54% |
| Native American | 0.94% |
| Two or More Races | 1.93% |
Popularity of Mcclellan Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mcclellan surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mcclellan surname increased by 1,074 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Mcclellan Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Mcclellan ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
The Complete Story of the Mcclellan Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Mcclellan Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Mcclellan
- ✓ The Mcclellan coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Mcclellan families live today
- ✓ Notable Mcclellan bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
🎁 A heritage keepsake to pass down — perfect as a gift.
Similar Surnames to Mcclellan
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Mcclellan.
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 Mcclellan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mcclellan
Top Surnames Starting with M
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter M, ranked by population.
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Mcclellan surname also look for: