Origin & Meaning of the Mcilwain Surname
What does the last name Mcilwain mean?
The surname Mcilwain carries the meaning "Son of Mcilwain." 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 3,002 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mcilwain ranks as the #10,657 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mcilwain come from?
The Mcilwain 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 Mcilwain name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mcilwain 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 | Mcilwain |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Mcilwain |
| Origin | Irish/Scottish |
| Language | Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #10,657 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,002 |
| Per 100K People | 1.02 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mcilwain
According to the US Census, the Mcilwain surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,002 Americans with the Mcilwain last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 63.66% |
| Black | 32.88% |
| Hispanic | 1.43% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.3% |
| Native American | 0.37% |
| Two or More Races | 1.37% |
Popularity of Mcilwain Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mcilwain surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mcilwain surname increased by 143 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Irish/Scottish Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mcilwain
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