The first name McLean, pronounced /məˈkleɪn/, is of Scottish origin and has an interesting history. It began as a surname derived from the Gaelic given name "Máel Coluim", which means "devotee of Saint Columba". The name was brought to Ireland in the 13th century by Scottish settlers, where it became anglicized over time.
McLean is typically used as a male given name, although its use has expanded to include females in recent decades. It gained popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, peaking in the 1950s and 1960s. Today, it remains a relatively uncommon but enduring choice for parents naming their children.
In popular culture, McLean is perhaps best known as the birth surname of American singer-songwriter Don McLean, famous for his song "American Pie". The name has also been used in various works of fiction, such as the character Dr. David McLean in the television series "The X-Files".
The spelling McLean is most common, but variations include McClain, McLain, and MacLean. Overall, McLean is a distinctive name with a rich history and an appealing sound that continues to be chosen by parents around the world.
"While there was a notable gap between the first and second instances of the name McLean being given to baby girls – with no reported births in the intervening years from 1998 to 2004 – it appears the name has seen a resurgence recently, with five babies named McLean born in 2022. Altogether, there have been sixteen little McLeans welcomed into the world since 1998."