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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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".
- 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.
- Macaulay
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"son of righteousness"Description:
Made famous by former child star Macaulay Culkin, one of the more popular Mac names.
- 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.
- Mckinley
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"son of the fair hero"Description:
New Presidential name, if you're ready to move beyond Lincoln and Jefferson. At the turn of the last century, during the original McKinley's heyday, as a first name it almost reached the Top 100.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Mclaren
Origin:
GaelicMeaning:
"son of Labhrainn"Description:
McLaren is an Anglicization of the surname MacLabhrainn, meaning "son of Labhrann." Labhrann is the Gaelic form of Laurentius, from which Lawrence also derived.
- Mckellar
Origin:
Irish and Scottish surnameMeaning:
"son of Ealair"Description:
Ealair is the Gaelic form of Hilary, making McKellar an inventive way to honor a Hilary, Hillary, or Ellery in your life.
- 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.
- Mckayla
Origin:
Variation of MichaelaMeaning:
"who is like God"Description:
Is this popular name really Michaela, or is it a combination of McKenna and Kayla. The real answer: it's a fusion of trends.
- Maguire
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"son of the beige one"Description:
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.
- Mackenna
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"son of the handsome one"Description:
Although the Mc or Mac prefix always means "son of", the first names McKenna and MacKenna are used in the US exclusively for girls, with the McKenna spelling outpacing this one 14 to 1. There are no boys recorded with either spelling of the name.
- Mcgee
Description:
Mcgee is primarily known as a surname of Irish and Scottish Gaelic origin, derived from 'Mac Aoidh,' meaning 'son of Aodh' (an ancient name meaning 'fire'). Its use as a first name is quite uncommon but follows the modern trend of adopting surnames as given names. This practice has roots in honoring family heritage or creating distinctive, memorable names. Mcgee carries a strong Celtic association and projects a casual, friendly quality with its familiar surname sound. As a first name, it has remained rare, occasionally appearing in English-speaking countries, particularly in families with Irish or Scottish connections. The name's distinctive sound and spelling make it immediately recognizable while its surname origins give it a contemporary, unconventional character.
- Mcphee
Description:
McPhee is a masculine name that originated as a Scottish surname derived from the Gaelic 'Mac Dhuibhshíthe,' meaning 'son of Dubhshith' (dark peace). As a first name, McPhee is extremely rare, though the surname gained recognition through notable bearers like Scottish poet Kathleen Jamie McPhee and American entertainer Katharine McPhee. The name carries a strong Scottish heritage and distinctive sound. Using McPhee as a first name follows the modern trend of adopting surnames as given names, appealing to parents seeking unique options with cultural significance. Though uncommon, it offers a recognizable structure through the familiar 'Mc' prefix while providing individuality. Its brevity and straightforward pronunciation add to its accessibility despite its rarity.
- Mcgill
Origin:
Irish and Scottish surnameMeaning:
"son of the foreigner"Description:
Despite its appearance, McGill is not related to any of the Gil- names, including Gilbert, Gilford, and Gilson. The "gill" piece is derived from the Gaelic word gall, meaning "foreigner." Yet, it could still be used to honor a Gil in your life.