Origin & Meaning of the Mckernan Surname
What does the last name Mckernan mean?
The surname Mckernan carries the meaning "Son of Mckernan." 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 3,144 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mckernan ranks as the #10,255 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mckernan come from?
The Mckernan 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 Mckernan name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mckernan 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 | Mckernan |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Mckernan |
| Origin | Irish/Scottish |
| Language | Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #10,255 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,144 |
| Per 100K People | 1.07 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mckernan
According to the US Census, the Mckernan surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,144 Americans with the Mckernan last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 95.42% |
| Hispanic | 2.54% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.67% |
| Two or More Races | 1.05% |
Popularity of Mckernan Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mckernan surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mckernan surname increased by 414 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Mckernan
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Mckernan.
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 Mckernan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mckernan
Top Surnames Starting with M
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter M, ranked by population.
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