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.
- 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.
- Mccauley
Description:
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.
- Mclain
Origin:
Irish, ScottishMeaning:
"son of the servant of St. John"Description:
A stylish but as yet undiscovered surname-style name, with the familiar sounds of Lane, Mack, and and Kane.
- Mccartney
Origin:
Scottish surnameMeaning:
"son of Artan"Description:
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.
- Mclean
Description:
McLean is a masculine name derived from the Scottish Gaelic surname Mac Gille Eáin, meaning 'son of the servant of John.' As a first name, it represents the trend of using ancestral surnames as given names, which became increasingly popular from the late 20th century onward. McLean carries strong Scottish heritage connections and projects an intellectual, distinguished quality—possibly influenced by associations with prestigious institutions like McLean Hospital and McLean County in various states. The name remains relatively rare as a first name but has steady usage in families with Scottish ancestry or those appreciating its refined sound. It offers the friendly nickname 'Mac' while maintaining a sophisticated full form. McLean bridges traditional naming conventions with modern surname-as-first-name styling in an understated, elegant way.
- Mccrae
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"son of grace"Description:
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.
- Mccabe
Origin:
Irish, patronymic from the word for cape or hatDescription:
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.
- 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.
- Maccauley
Description:
Maccauley is a masculine name with Scottish and Irish origins, representing a variant spelling of Macaulay or McCauley. These names derive from the Gaelic 'Mac Amhalghaidh,' meaning 'son of Amhalghaidh' (an ancient personal name). The name carries a strong Celtic heritage and projects a sense of tradition and familial connection. While less common than the Macaulay spelling, Maccauley maintains the same rich cultural associations. As a first name, it remains relatively uncommon, though it gained some recognition through figures like actor Macaulay Culkin. The name has a friendly, approachable quality while still sounding distinguished. Its distinctive spelling offers uniqueness without sacrificing the name's recognizable sound and heritage, making it appealing to parents seeking a name with Celtic roots and individual character.
- Mackay
Origin:
GaelicMeaning:
"son of Aodh"Description:
MacKay 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. It could also work as an alternative for of Mackayla, derived from Michael, or to honor a Kay.
- Macbeth
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"son of life"Description:
Although appearing as a patronym (nope, it doesn't mean "son of Elizabeth"), Macbeth originated as a given name. It is derived from the Gaelic MacBeatha, describing a religious man.
- Mcdermott
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"son of Diarmaid"Description:
McDermott is a common Irish surname that means, as all Mc or Mac names do, "son of" --then Dermott or Dermot, which is an Anglicization of the Irish Gaelic Diarmaid. The legendary Diarmaid was the lover of Grainne and the real King Diarmaid, in the twelfth century, first invited the English into Ireland. Actor Dermot Mulroney made his name famous in the U.S.
- Mclaren
Origin:
GaelicMeaning:
"son of Labhrainn"Description:
A rare Mc surname used for both girls and boys in the US. It ultimately derives from Laurentius, as does Lawrence.
- 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.
- Macegan
Description:
Macegan is a modern masculine name that appears to be a blended creation combining elements of traditional names. It likely incorporates the Scottish/Irish prefix 'Mac' meaning 'son of' with 'Egan' (an Irish name meaning 'little fire' or 'fiery'). Alternatively, it could be a creative blend of 'Mace' and 'Egan' or a variation of 'Keegan.' This contemporary name emerged primarily in the late 20th or early 21st century as part of the trend toward unique, distinctive names with Celtic undertones. While relatively uncommon, Macegan offers parents seeking originality a name with apparent Irish/Scottish heritage and a strong, masculine sound.
- Macgyver
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"son of Ivor"Description:
The eponymous TV hero has inspired a handful of parents to use his name for their sons. Macgyver first appeared on the charts in 1989, four years after the original television series began.
- Mackenzey
Description:
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.
- Mcdonald
Description:
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.
- 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.