Origin & Meaning of the Mcmahan Surname
What does the last name Mcmahan mean?
The surname Mcmahan carries the meaning "Son of Mcmahan." 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 14,368 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mcmahan ranks as the #2,522 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mcmahan come from?
The Mcmahan 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 Mcmahan name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mcmahan 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 | Mcmahan |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Mcmahan |
| Origin | Irish/Scottish |
| Language | Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,522 |
| US Count (2010) | 14,368 |
| Per 100K People | 4.87 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mcmahan
According to the US Census, the Mcmahan surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 14,368 Americans with the Mcmahan last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 91.48% |
| Black | 3.81% |
| Hispanic | 1.85% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.38% |
| Native American | 0.81% |
| Two or More Races | 1.66% |
Popularity of Mcmahan Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mcmahan surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mcmahan surname increased by 297 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Mcmahan
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Mcmahan.
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 Mcmahan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mcmahan
Top Surnames Starting with M
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter M, ranked by population.
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