Origin & Meaning of the Mclain Surname
What does the last name Mclain mean?
The surname Mclain carries the meaning "Son of Mclain." 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 17,152 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mclain ranks as the #2,109 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mclain come from?
The Mclain 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 Mclain name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mclain 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 | Mclain |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Mclain |
| Origin | Irish/Scottish |
| Language | Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,109 |
| US Count (2010) | 17,152 |
| Per 100K People | 5.81 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mclain
According to the US Census, the Mclain surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 17,152 Americans with the Mclain last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 87.68% |
| Black | 7.2% |
| Hispanic | 2.16% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.53% |
| Native American | 0.83% |
| Two or More Races | 1.6% |
Popularity of Mclain Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mclain surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mclain surname increased by 174 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 Mclain.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mclain
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