Origin & Meaning of the Mcnab Surname
What does the last name Mcnab mean?
The surname Mcnab carries the meaning "Son of Mcnab." 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 1,656 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mcnab ranks as the #17,127 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mcnab come from?
The Mcnab 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 Mcnab name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mcnab 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 | Mcnab |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Mcnab |
| Origin | Irish/Scottish |
| Language | Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #17,127 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,656 |
| Per 100K People | 0.56 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mcnab
According to the US Census, the Mcnab surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,656 Americans with the Mcnab last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 79.35% |
| Black | 11.23% |
| Hispanic | 6.04% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.48% |
| Native American | 0.3% |
| Two or More Races | 2.6% |
Popularity of Mcnab Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mcnab surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mcnab surname increased by 21 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 Mcnab.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mcnab
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