Macdonald is a Scottish surname and given name that originated from the Gaelic Mac Domhnaich, which means "son of Domhnall". The name Domhnall itself comes from the Old Irish personal name Donál, which means "world mighty" or "proud". Over time, the name Macdonald has been anglicized to McDonald.
The surname Macdonald is one of the most common surnames in Scotland and is particularly associated with the Highlands. It was historically given to people who were descended from a man named Donald. The clan Macdonald is one of the largest Highland clans and played a significant role in Scottish history, with notable figures such as Ranald Macdonald, who fought alongside Bonnie Prince Charlie during the Jacobite Risings.
The name Macdonald has also been used as a given name, particularly in Scotland and other parts of the English-speaking world. It gained popularity as a given name in the 19th century and has remained a popular choice since then. Some notable people with the given name Macdonald include Canadian author Robertson Davies and American actor Macdonald Carey.
In literature, the name Macdonald is perhaps most famously associated with the Scottish novelist George MacDonald, who was known for his fantasy novels and fairy tales. His works have had a significant influence on authors such as C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.
Overall, the name Macdonald has a rich history that spans centuries and continents. Whether used as a surname or given name, it carries with it a sense of Scottish heritage and tradition.
The name Macdonald experienced fluctuations in popularity over the years, with periods of higher and lower birth rates. The most notable peaks were in 1961 and 1962, each with 9 births, and a consistent rise from 7 births in 1963 to 7 births in 1964. However, there are also several years with only 5 births (from 1915 to 2002), indicating less common usage of the name Macdonald during those times. Overall, the total number of births with the name Macdonald from 1915 to 2002 is 154.