Mac is a name of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "Mac" which means "son of". It is often used as a prefix to indicate descent from a specific father or ancestor. In Scotland, it is traditionally used in conjunction with a clan name, such as MacDonald or MacGregor.
The use of the name Mac has a long history dating back to the Middle Ages in Scotland. During this time, it was common for families to adopt surnames based on their fathers' names. The prefix "Mac" indicated that the person bearing the surname was the son of the individual whose name followed.
Today, the name Mac is still widely used and recognized around the world. It has become a popular given name in its own right, regardless of whether it is accompanied by a clan name or not. Some well-known individuals who bear this name include actor Macaulay Culkin, musician Mac Miller, and former American football player Mac Jones.
Despite its Scottish origins and historical use as a prefix, the name Mac has become widely adopted across different cultures and languages. It is often associated with qualities such as strength, durability, and reliability due to its origins in Scottish clan culture. However, it is important to note that the name itself does not have any specific meaning or attributes beyond its literal interpretation of "son of". Ultimately, the name Mac is a versatile and timeless choice for parents looking for a strong and distinctive name for their child.
Over time, the number of births named Mac has shown significant fluctuations and trends. In the late 19th century, there were fewer than 10 births per year on average, with most years showing between 5 to 7 births. However, from around 1888 onwards, we start seeing more babies named Mac, peaking at 12 births in 1896 and again at 16 births in 1904.
The early to mid-20th century saw a general decline in the popularity of the name Mac, with fewer than 50 births per year on average from 1905 to 1939. However, this trend reversed after World War II, with an increasing number of babies named Mac each year. From the 1940s onwards, we see a steady rise in popularity, reaching over 200 births per year by the late 1960s.
Since then, the name Mac has maintained consistent popularity, with annual births ranging from around 150 to over 300. The highest number of births recorded was in 2022, with 465 babies named Mac. Overall, between 1880 and 2023, there have been a total of 10,615 births named Mac.