Origin & Meaning of the Mcelwain Surname
What does the last name Mcelwain mean?
The surname Mcelwain carries the meaning "Son of Mcelwain." 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 3,060 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mcelwain ranks as the #10,487 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mcelwain come from?
The Mcelwain 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 Mcelwain name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mcelwain 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 | Mcelwain |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Mcelwain |
| Origin | Irish/Scottish |
| Language | Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #10,487 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,060 |
| Per 100K People | 1.04 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mcelwain
According to the US Census, the Mcelwain surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,060 Americans with the Mcelwain last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 91.67% |
| Black | 3.17% |
| Hispanic | 1.96% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.62% |
| Native American | 0.62% |
| Two or More Races | 1.96% |
Popularity of Mcelwain Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mcelwain surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mcelwain surname increased by 57 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Mcelwain
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Mcelwain.
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 Mcelwain.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mcelwain
Top Surnames Starting with M
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter M, ranked by population.
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