Origin & Meaning of the Mckelvey Surname
What does the last name Mckelvey mean?
The surname Mckelvey carries the meaning "Son of Mckelvey." 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 7,043 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mckelvey ranks as the #4,985 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mckelvey come from?
The Mckelvey 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 Mckelvey name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mckelvey 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 | Mckelvey |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Mckelvey |
| Origin | Irish/Scottish |
| Language | Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #4,985 |
| US Count (2010) | 7,043 |
| Per 100K People | 2.39 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mckelvey
According to the US Census, the Mckelvey surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 7,043 Americans with the Mckelvey last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 84.82% |
| Black | 11.16% |
| Hispanic | 1.7% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.35% |
| Native American | 0.38% |
| Two or More Races | 1.58% |
Popularity of Mckelvey Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mckelvey surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mckelvey surname increased by 173 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 Mckelvey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mckelvey
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