Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name 'Mac' originates from Scottish Gaelic, meaning 'son of'. Its historical path includes roots in Old Irish and has evolved through various forms. The name is associated with clan lineage in Scotland and carries a sense of heritage. It has no biblical relevance and gained popularity in the Middle Ages. Today, it is perceived positively, often linked to Scottish ancestry.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/mæk/
Origin
Scottish Gaelic
Etymology
The name 'Mac' means 'son of' in Scottish Gaelic, often used as a prefix to denote lineage.
Meaning
son of
Language Evolution
Old Irish: Mac, Middle Irish: Mac, Modern Irish: Mac, Scottish Gaelic: Mac
Historical Usage
The use of 'Mac' as a surname became prominent in Scotland during the Middle Ages, particularly among clan names.
Variants & Derivatives
MacDonald, MacKenzie, MacGregor, Mack
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, 'Mac' is often associated with Scottish heritage and is viewed positively as a sign of lineage and family pride.
Famous People
Macbeth (historical figure), Mac Miller (musician), Macaulay Culkin (actor)
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 470 peak births in 2022
Geographic Spread
Popular across 40 US states, with strongest presence in Utah
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (5 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 5 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 779th of 7545 | 1,174 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 572nd of 6773 | 1,998 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 768th of 7552 | 1,730 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1055th of 10718 | 942 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1860th of 16616 | 613 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 1737th of 24088 | 1,214 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 846th of 23106 | 3,224 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 7503rd of 9107 | 12 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 8498th of 9204 | 7 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 23525th of 27321 | 10 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 35406th of 35406 | 5 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 21851st of 30306 | 19 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
45.27% 641st/1416 |
49.09% 677th/1379 |
43.20% 1022nd/2366 |
71.10% 812th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
47.15% 729th/1546 |
78.86% 1227th/1556 |
19.04% 448th/2353 |
45.31% 701st/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
52.36% 1166th/2227 |
67.94% 1651st/2430 |
21.73% 620th/2853 |
34.20% 949th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
49.30% 1448th/2937 |
63.82% 2223rd/3483 |
31.72% 1116th/3518 |
30.19% 1221st/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
52.13% 1921st/3685 |
51.26% 2294th/4475 |
52.45% 2724th/5194 |
38.17% 2411th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
35.68% 1635th/4582 |
43.71% 2257th/5164 |
32.08% 2346th/7313 |
21.59% 1611th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
17.14% 683rd/3984 |
17.76% 797th/4487 |
15.08% 1029th/6822 |
13.70% 860th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Utah across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been too falling for male in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, too falling for male in South, too falling for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 779th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 572nd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 768th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1055th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1860th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1737th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 846th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 7503rd out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 8498th out of 9204 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 23525th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 35406th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 21851st out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.