Origin & Meaning of the Mcphail Surname
What does the last name Mcphail mean?
The surname Mcphail carries the meaning "Son of Mcphail." 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 5,333 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mcphail ranks as the #6,381 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mcphail come from?
The Mcphail 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 Mcphail name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mcphail 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 | Mcphail |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Mcphail |
| Origin | Irish/Scottish |
| Language | Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #6,381 |
| US Count (2010) | 5,333 |
| Per 100K People | 1.81 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mcphail
According to the US Census, the Mcphail surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 5,333 Americans with the Mcphail last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 78.74% |
| Black | 15.73% |
| Hispanic | 2.46% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.49% |
| Native American | 0.92% |
| Two or More Races | 1.67% |
Popularity of Mcphail Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mcphail surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mcphail surname increased by 242 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Mcphail Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Mcphail ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
The Complete Story of the Mcphail Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Mcphail Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Mcphail
- ✓ The Mcphail coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Mcphail families live today
- ✓ Notable Mcphail bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
🎁 A heritage keepsake to pass down — perfect as a gift.
Similar Surnames to Mcphail
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Mcphail.
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 Mcphail.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mcphail
Top Surnames Starting with M
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter M, ranked by population.
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Mcphail surname also look for: