Origin & Meaning of the Mcwilliams Surname
What does the last name Mcwilliams mean?
The surname Mcwilliams carries the meaning "Son of Mcwilliams." 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 20,523 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Mcwilliams ranks as the #1,746 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Mcwilliams come from?
The Mcwilliams 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 Mcwilliams name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Mcwilliams 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 | Mcwilliams |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Mcwilliams |
| Origin | Irish/Scottish |
| Language | Gaelic |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,746 |
| US Count (2010) | 20,523 |
| Per 100K People | 6.96 |
| First Letter | M |
Ethnic Distribution of Mcwilliams
According to the US Census, the Mcwilliams surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 20,523 Americans with the Mcwilliams last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 76.7% |
| Black | 17.64% |
| Hispanic | 2.53% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.56% |
| Native American | 0.62% |
| Two or More Races | 1.95% |
Popularity of Mcwilliams Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Mcwilliams surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Mcwilliams surname increased by 388 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other Irish/Scottish Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mcwilliams
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