Macauley is a name of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic given name "Maccail". The meaning of Maccail is believed to be "helper" or "benefactor", which reflects the positive qualities that were valued in ancient Scottish culture.
The name Macauley first appears in historical records in Scotland during the 13th century. It was initially used as a personal name, but over time it evolved into a surname. Some of the earliest known bearers of the Macauley surname include Alexander Macaulay who was recorded in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1296, and John Makcaloch who was listed in Aberdeenshire, Scotland in 1375.
Today, Macauley is still a popular name in Scotland and other parts of the English-speaking world. It has also gained popularity as a given name in recent years, particularly for boys. While its meaning remains consistent with its Scottish origins, its pronunciation can vary slightly depending on regional accents.
"Over these five years, Macauley was a popular name for newborns with an average of 6 births per year."