Mac is a name of Scottish origin that has gained popularity in recent years. It is derived from the Gaelic given name "Mághchai," which means "son of Gavin." The name Mághchai itself is composed of two elements: "mágh" meaning "son" and "Chaoimhín," a form of the Irish name Seán, which means "God is gracious."
The name Mac has a long history in Scotland. It was traditionally used as a surname rather than a given name, with some of the earliest records dating back to the 13th century. The surname Mac is an anglicized form of the Scottish Gaelic "Mac Mhaighstir Alasdair," which translates to "son of Master Alexander."
In modern times, Mac has been embraced as a unisex given name. It gained significant popularity in the English-speaking world during the 1970s and 1980s but has since seen a decline in usage. However, it remains a unique and distinctive choice for parents looking for an uncommon name with a rich history.
Overall, Mac is a name that carries a strong sense of Scottish heritage and tradition. Its meaning, "son of Gavin," adds to its timeless appeal, making it a solid choice for parents seeking a name with deep roots and a robust character.
Here are some interesting statistics regarding the name Mac over the years in the United States:
The name Mac has seen a varied trend in popularity over the past century. In the early to mid-20th century, it had a brief spike in popularity with seven births each in 1925 and 1945. However, it then fell out of favor for several decades.
In recent years, there has been renewed interest in the name Mac. From 1994 onwards, there have been five or more births every year except for one notable spike to nine births in 2023. This suggests that the name Mac is currently enjoying a resurgence in popularity among parents choosing names for their newborns.
Overall, since 1918, there have been a total of 53 babies named Mac born in the United States.