Origin & Meaning of the Mcnair Surname
What does the last name Mcnair mean?
The surname Mcnair carries the meaning "Son of Mcnair." 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 16,595 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mcnair ranks as the #2,191 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mcnair come from?
The Mcnair 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 Mcnair name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mcnair 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 | Mcnair |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Mcnair |
| Origin | Irish/Scottish |
| Language | Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,191 |
| US Count (2010) | 16,595 |
| Per 100K People | 5.63 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mcnair
According to the US Census, the Mcnair surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 16,595 Americans with the Mcnair last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 39.57% |
| Black | 54.75% |
| Hispanic | 1.96% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.46% |
| Native American | 0.56% |
| Two or More Races | 2.71% |
Popularity of Mcnair Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mcnair surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mcnair surname increased by 1,296 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 Mcnair.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mcnair
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