Origin & Meaning of the Mcpherson Surname
What does the last name Mcpherson mean?
The surname Mcpherson carries the meaning "Son of Mcpher." 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 36,125 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mcpherson ranks as the #965 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mcpherson come from?
The Mcpherson 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 Mcpherson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mcpherson 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 | Mcpherson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Mcpher |
| Origin | Irish/Scottish |
| Language | Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #965 |
| US Count (2010) | 36,125 |
| Per 100K People | 12.25 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mcpherson
According to the US Census, the Mcpherson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 36,125 Americans with the Mcpherson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 73.35% |
| Black | 20.66% |
| Hispanic | 2.49% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.57% |
| Native American | 0.61% |
| Two or More Races | 2.33% |
Popularity of Mcpherson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mcpherson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mcpherson surname increased by 1,362 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Irish/Scottish Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mcpherson
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