Origin & Meaning of the Mcnamara Surname
What does the last name Mcnamara mean?
The surname Mcnamara carries the meaning "Son of Mcnamara." 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 26,534 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mcnamara ranks as the #1,329 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mcnamara come from?
The Mcnamara 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 Mcnamara name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mcnamara 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 | Mcnamara |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Mcnamara |
| Origin | Irish/Scottish |
| Language | Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,329 |
| US Count (2010) | 26,534 |
| Per 100K People | 9.0 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mcnamara
According to the US Census, the Mcnamara surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 26,534 Americans with the Mcnamara last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 95.17% |
| Black | 0.4% |
| Hispanic | 2.22% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.7% |
| Native American | 0.28% |
| Two or More Races | 1.22% |
Popularity of Mcnamara Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mcnamara surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mcnamara surname increased by 638 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Mcnamara
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Mcnamara.
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 Mcnamara.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mcnamara
Top Surnames Starting with M
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter M, ranked by population.
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