Origin & Meaning of the Mcelroy Surname
What does the last name Mcelroy mean?
The surname Mcelroy carries the meaning "Son of Mcelroy." 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 24,668 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mcelroy ranks as the #1,446 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mcelroy come from?
The Mcelroy 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 Mcelroy name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mcelroy 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 | Mcelroy |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Mcelroy |
| Origin | Irish/Scottish |
| Language | Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,446 |
| US Count (2010) | 24,668 |
| Per 100K People | 8.36 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mcelroy
According to the US Census, the Mcelroy surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 24,668 Americans with the Mcelroy last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 78.93% |
| Black | 15.77% |
| Hispanic | 2.45% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.46% |
| Native American | 0.45% |
| Two or More Races | 1.94% |
Popularity of Mcelroy Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mcelroy surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mcelroy surname increased by 604 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 Mcelroy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mcelroy
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