Origin & Meaning of the Mcdonald Surname
What does the last name Mcdonald mean?
The surname Mcdonald carries the meaning "Son of Mcdonald." 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 180,497 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mcdonald ranks as the #143 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mcdonald come from?
The Mcdonald 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 Mcdonald name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mcdonald 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 | Mcdonald |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Mcdonald |
| Origin | Irish/Scottish |
| Language | Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #143 |
| US Count (2010) | 180,497 |
| Per 100K People | 61.19 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mcdonald
According to the US Census, the Mcdonald surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 180,497 Americans with the Mcdonald last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 76.65% |
| Black | 17.28% |
| Hispanic | 2.73% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.55% |
| Native American | 0.78% |
| Two or More Races | 2.01% |
Popularity of Mcdonald Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mcdonald surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mcdonald surname increased by 4,403 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Irish/Scottish Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mcdonald
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