Mac Names
Names that start with Mac or Mc are Irish or Scottish patronymics designating "son of." Of course, many of the most popular Mac names today, such as Mackenzie and McKenna, are usually given to girls. But there are a raft of lesser-used Mac names that work well for boys and lead to the adorable short form Mac.
Along with Mackenzie and McKenna, other Mac names in the US Top 1000 include McKinley, McKenzie, and Mack itself. Mac and Mc names including Macallister, McCoy, and McGreggor have been chosen by celebrities for their children.
If you have a Mac name on your family tree, consider co-opting it as a name for your son or daughter. Or select from our list of Mac and Mc Names, below, organized by their current popularity on Nameberry.
RELATED:
- Mackenzie
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"son of Kenneth"Description:
Originally inspired as by eighties TV actress Mackenzie Phillips, parents since have flocked to Mackenzie for their daughters. Now a staple All-American choice, Mackenzie has ranked in the US Top 1000 for nearly 50 years.
Mackenzie originates from the Scottish surname which itself an anglicized form of the Gaelic Mac Coinnich. Coinnich is one of the original Gaelic forms of Kenneth meaning "handsome, beautiful, comely".
- Mccoy
Origin:
Anglicization of MacAoidh or MacAodha, Scottish, IrishMeaning:
"son of Aodh; son of fire"Description:
One of many Irish and Scottish surnames starting with Mac and Mc that also feel usable as given names, McCoy has a jaunty and energetic sound. The name entered the US Top 1000 in 2020, and was given to around 220 boys in the US in a recent year, along with 6 girls.
- Macallan
Description:
Macallan is a distinctive masculine name with Scottish origins, most famously associated with the renowned single malt whisky distillery in the Speyside region of Scotland. The name derives from the Gaelic 'Magh' meaning 'plain' and 'Ellan' referring to St. Fillan, literally translating to 'plain of St. Fillan.' As a given name, Macallan represents a modern trend of adopting surname or brand names for children, appealing to parents seeking names with cultural significance and strong phonetic presence. Though relatively uncommon, Macallan offers appealing nickname options like Mac or Cal. The name carries connotations of refinement and craftsmanship due to its whisky association, while its Scottish heritage provides a sense of tradition and place. Its rising usage reflects parents' interest in distinctive names with cultural cachet.
- Mckenna
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"son of Kenneth"Description:
Mackenzie begat McKenna - a catchy but very trendy choice. While the Mc or Mac prefix means "son of," this is much more popular as a girl name in the US, peaking at #177 in 2002.
- Mckenzie
Origin:
Spelling variation of Mackenzie, ScottishMeaning:
"son of Kenneth"Description:
Used quietly on boys in the US since the early 20th century, Mckenzie was abruptly overtaken by the Mackenzie spelling back in 1973 when actress Mackenzie Phillips introduced the name as a possibility for girls. While Mckenzie has never matched its sibling spelling in popularity, it nevertheless climbed the charts in its wake, peaking in 2000 at #133.
- Macauley
Description:
Macauley is a masculine name of Scottish and Irish Gaelic origin, derived from the Gaelic surname Mac Amhalghaidh, meaning "son of Amhalghaidh" (an ancient personal name). Historically used as a family name, Macauley transitioned to use as a given name following the trend of adopting surnames as first names. The name carries associations with Celtic heritage and has variations including Macaulay, MacAuley, and McCauley. While never reaching top-tier popularity, Macauley saw increased usage in English-speaking countries during the late 20th century. The name received modest attention through association with actor Macaulay Culkin in the 1990s, though his spelling variant has been more recognized. Macauley projects strength and traditional masculine qualities while maintaining its distinctive Scottish roots.
- Macaulay
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"son of righteousness"Description:
Made famous by former child star Macaulay Culkin, one of the more popular Mac names.
- Mackenzie
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"son of Kenneth"Description:
This lively Scottish surname is an anglicized form of the Gaelic Mac Coinnich, Coinnich being one of the original Gaelic forms of Kenneth.
- Mcqueen
Description:
Mcqueen is a masculine surname-turned-first-name with Scottish Gaelic origins. Derived from 'Mac Shuibhne' meaning 'son of Suibhne' (a personal name meaning 'well-going' or 'pleasant'), it carries connotations of distinction and uniqueness. The name gained modern recognition through cultural references like the fictional character Lightning McQueen from Pixar's 'Cars' franchise and fashion designer Alexander McQueen. Though uncommon as a first name, Mcqueen appeals to parents seeking distinctive options with a strong, memorable quality. Its usage reflects contemporary trends of adopting surnames as given names, offering both heritage connections and modern style.
- Mckinley
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"son of the fair hero"Description:
Presidential name that makes a fresh substitute for MacKenzie or McKenna. Possible spelling variations include MacKinley, MacKinlee, Makinleigh ad almost infinitum. McKinley is one of the Scottish names for girls that can work equally well for boys.
- Maclain
Description:
Maclain is a masculine name of Scottish Gaelic origin, functioning as an Anglicized spelling variant of 'MacIain' or 'MacIan,' which literally means 'son of John.' As a surname-turned-first-name, it carries the strong heritage and clan associations common to Scottish patronymic naming traditions. The name has a distinguished, somewhat aristocratic quality while maintaining a contemporary sound. Though rare as a first name, Maclain appeals to parents with Scottish heritage or those seeking a distinctive name with clear cultural roots. The pronunciation may vary, with some saying 'mak-LANE' while others prefer 'mak-lin.' Maclain offers the trendy appeal of surnames as first names while providing a direct connection to Celtic heritage and history.
- Maclean
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"servant of Saint John"Description:
Whether you pronounce it Mac-cleen or Mac-clayn, this is one of the crispest and most appealing of the Mac names. The Scottish clan Maclean is one of the oldest of the Highland Scottish clans. Trivia tidbit: Sir Fitzroy Maclean is said to have been an inspiration for the Ian Fleming James Bond character.
- Mccormack
Description:
McCormack is primarily a surname of Irish origin that has occasionally been adopted as a masculine given name. Derived from the Gaelic 'Mac Cormaic,' meaning 'son of Cormac,' it has deep roots in Irish heritage. Cormac itself means 'charioteer' or 'son of the raven.' As a first name, McCormack represents the growing trend of using ancestral surnames as given names, conveying a sense of family heritage and tradition. While uncommon as a first name, it offers the friendly nicknames Mac or Mack. The name carries a distinguished, professional quality while maintaining Irish cultural connections. Parents might choose McCormack to honor family history or simply for its strong, distinctive sound and Celtic associations.
- Macarthur
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"son of Arthur"Description:
The Mc and Mac surnames are asserting themselves as first names and this is among the most usable. MacArthur or McArthur makes a perfect honorific for an ancestral Arthur and leads directly to the nicknames Mac or Art
- Macgregor
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"son of Gregor"Description:
Interesting possibility for the son or grandson of a Gregory.
- Macallister
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"son of Alasdair"Description:
Macallister as a first name is attracting new attention as the name chosen by Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer and venture capitalist Zack Bogue for their young son. Macallister is usually heard as a patronymic surname, meaning son of Alasdair or Alistair or any one of the spellings of the Scottish form of Alexander. Like all other names of this type, Macallister leads to the cute short form Mac.
- Mccartney
Origin:
Scottish surnameMeaning:
"son of Artan"Description:
This highly recognizable surname means "son of Artan," an Irish derivative of the name Art. It's most closely tied to Beatle Paul McCartney — we'd be willing to bet that some of the parents who give this name to their children each year are fans.
- Mccrae
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"son of Rath; son of grace and prosperity"Description:
Stylized as McCrae, this attractive Scottish surname-name is found in Larry McMurtry's Lonesome Dove, as the surname of hero Augustus/Gus McCrae. Also spelled MacCrae or McRay among other variations, the meaning is variously given as son of grace or luck, or more literally as "son of Rath".
- Macrae
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"son of grace"Description:
MacRae -- or McRay or McCrae -- is a Scottish surname-name whose meaning is most often given as son of grace or sometimes son of luck. The hero of Lonesome Dove's last name was McCrae. A good honor name for a Ray or Rae, it can also be shortened to Mac.
- Mckay
Origin:
GaelicMeaning:
"son of Aodh"Description:
McKay is the Anglicized form of Mac Aodha, meaning "son of Aodh" in Gaelic. Aodh is the origin of names such as Aidan and Hugh, making McKay a subtle way to honor people with those names.