Mac Names

McLaughlin is primarily a Scottish and Irish surname now occasionally used as a masculine given name. Derived from the Gaelic 'Mac Lochlainn,' meaning 'son of Lochlann,' it has deep Celtic roots. Lochlann was a Gaelic term for Scandinavia, suggesting Viking ancestry for many who originally bore this name. As a first name, McLaughlin represents the growing trend of using family surnames as given names, often to honor ancestry or family traditions. The name carries a strong, distinguished quality and projects a sense of heritage and tradition. While still uncommon as a first name, McLaughlin appeals to parents seeking a distinctive masculine name with clear cultural connections to Scottish or Irish heritage.

McCartney is a widely familiar surname that is infrequently given as a first name. It first appeared on the charts for girls in 1996 but has never been given to more than 21 baby girls in a single year. McCartney meets our definition of a unisex name, although it used more often for girls.

Maclaren is a feminine name derived from the Scottish surname MacLaren or MacLaurin, which originated as a patronymic meaning 'son of Laurence.' The surname comes from the Gaelic 'Mac Labhruinn.' As a first name, Maclaren is extremely rare, offering a distinctive option with Scottish heritage appeal. It fits within the trend of using surnames as first names while providing a unique alternative to more common choices like Mackenzie or Madison. The name has an aristocratic, refined quality while still maintaining strength. Despite its rarity, Maclaren may appeal to parents drawn to Scottish names or seeking a name with both historical roots and contemporary style.

This Macallister variation is strongly associted with Macalester College in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Unless it's your alma mater, it might be wise to stick with the original.

A stylish but as yet undiscovered surname-style name, with the familiar sounds of Lane, Mack, and and Kane.

Interesting possibility for the son or grandson of a Gregory.

The Mc and Mac surnames are asserting themselves as first names and this is one of the most popular. Though outside the U.S. Top 1000, it's among the fastest rising names for boys.

Mckee is a masculine name that originated as a Scottish and Irish surname, derived from 'Mac Aodha,' meaning 'son of Aodh' (an ancient Celtic name meaning 'fire'). As a first name, Mckee represents the growing trend of using family surnames as given names, particularly in America. Though relatively uncommon as a first name, it offers a strong cultural connection to Celtic heritage while fitting into the contemporary preference for surname-style first names. Mckee has a concise, strong sound that balances traditional roots with modern appeal. Parents might choose it to honor family lineage or for its distinctive quality while still maintaining a familiar surname structure.

McGwire is a masculine given name that originated as an Irish and Scottish surname meaning "son of the dark-complexioned one" or "son of Gwyer." Its transition to first-name status likely gained momentum following baseball player Mark McGwire's fame in the 1990s, particularly during his record-breaking 1998 season. As a first name, McGwire represents the continuing trend of using family surnames as given names, appealing to parents seeking distinctive options with historical connections. The name carries a strong, athletic association while maintaining its Celtic heritage. Though uncommon as a first name, McGwire fits alongside other surname-inspired choices like McKenzie, McCall, and McGraw that have found places in contemporary naming practices.

Mccauley is a masculine name derived from an Irish and Scottish surname, originating from the Gaelic "Mac Amhalghaidh," meaning "son of Amhalghaidh" (an ancient personal name). As a first name, it emerged following the trend of using family surnames as given names, gaining modest recognition in the late 20th century. The name received a boost in visibility through actor Macaulay Culkin's fame in the 1990s, though the spelling Mccauley remains less common than Macaulay. The prefix "Mc" clearly signals its Celtic heritage, giving it a distinctive cultural connection. While never reaching widespread popularity, Mccauley appeals to parents seeking a name with strong Irish or Scottish roots and a confident, distinctive sound. It carries associations of tradition and heritage while maintaining a contemporary edge.

Mcguire is a masculine name that originated as an Irish surname, derived from the Gaelic 'Mag Uidhir,' meaning 'son of Odhar' or 'son of the pale-colored one.' As a first name, it represents the growing trend of using family surnames as given names. While still uncommon as a first name, Mcguire carries strong Irish cultural connections and projects a bold, distinctive quality. It first appeared as a given name in the late 20th century in the United States but remains rare. The name has associations with loyalty and heritage, often chosen by families with Irish ancestry or those appreciating its strong, masculine sound and unique character.

McLaren is an Anglicization of the surname MacLabhrainn, meaning "son of Labhrann." Labhrann is the Gaelic form of Laurentius, from which Lawrence also derived.

McCabe is an Irish patronymic surname that originated with Scottish mercenaries in Ireland who wore distinctive hats -- or cabas, which is also the name for capes.

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.

Alternatively, the name might be a variation of Mckayla, Michaela, and similar, making it a form of Michael, or, it could be translated as "song of Kay".

McDonald is primarily known as a Scottish surname derived from the Gaelic 'MacDhòmhnaill,' meaning 'son of Donald.' Donald itself comes from the Gaelic name Dòmhnall, composed of the elements 'domno' (world) and 'val' (rule), essentially meaning 'world ruler.' As a first name, McDonald is quite uncommon, representing a modern trend of using surnames as given names. This practice often honors family heritage or ancestry. The name carries connotations of Scottish clan history and pride, particularly connected to the powerful Highland Clan MacDonald. When used as a first name, it often goes by the nickname 'Don' or 'Mac.' Its use as a first name remains rare, making it a distinctive choice.

Although Maguire is such a prominent Irish surname —it ranks in the Top 40 in the Emerald Isle —this lively and cheerful family name has rarely been used as a first, unlike more familiar examples like Ryan, Riley and Reagan. The powerful and distinguished Maguire clan was known for their courage, leadership and resilience. The name's many notable associations include the unionizing Pennsylvania coal miners known as the Molly Maguires, actor Tobey Maguire and Dixie Chick Martie Maguire. Other spellings are McGuire and McGwire; two other handsome Irish surnames to consider are Malone and Magee.

Mackenzey is an uncommon masculine variant spelling of Mackenzie, a name of Scottish Gaelic origin meaning 'son of Kenneth' or 'fair one.' Originally a surname derived from 'Mac' (son of) and 'Coinneach' (handsome), it transitioned to use as a first name. While Mackenzie is now more commonly used for girls in its traditional spelling, Mackenzey with this particular spelling remains rare. The 'ey' ending gives this version a distinctive look while maintaining the familiar pronunciation. This variant emerged as part of the trend toward creative spellings of traditional names. Mackenzey projects qualities of strength and Scottish heritage while offering a unique twist on a recognizable name, appealing to parents seeking something familiar yet distinctive.

Mcdermot is a masculine name derived from the Irish surname McDermott or MacDermott, which itself comes from the Gaelic "Mac Diarmada," meaning "son of Diarmaid." Diarmaid (or Dermot) was a popular Irish personal name meaning "free from envy" or "without enemy." As a first name, Mcdermot is quite rare, representing the modern trend of using surnames as given names. This practice often reflects family heritage or ancestral connections to the McDermott clan, which was historically significant in County Roscommon, Ireland. The name carries a strong Irish cultural identity and projects a sense of tradition and lineage, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive name with clear cultural roots.

Macmillan is an uncommon masculine given name derived from the Scottish surname of the same spelling. The surname originates from the Gaelic 'Mac Mhaolain,' meaning 'son of the tonsured one' or 'son of the disciple,' indicating ancestral connections to religious devotion. As a first name, Macmillan represents a modern trend of using traditional surnames as given names. It carries associations with the prominent Macmillan publishing house and the political legacy of former British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan. The name projects scholarly and distinguished qualities while honoring Scottish heritage. Though rare as a first name, it offers the approachable nickname options of 'Mac' or 'Mack.'