Boy · 846th of 23,106
Mac
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
11,058
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2022
Peak Popularity Year
470
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Mac stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
Jump to a section
Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
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 Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
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
3-Year Trend:
Rising
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
Geographic charts live in focused views so this report stays readable. Choose the level of detail you need.
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
Compare 5 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
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
Full popularity table across American generations 12 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |