Mackel is a unique and distinctive given name of Scottish origin. The name is derived from the Scottish surname Mac Kelpie, which is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic Mac Ghille Easpuig. This Gaelic name translates to "son of the servant of St. Kessog," with "Ghille" meaning "servant" and "Easpuig" referring to the saint.
The name Mackel is believed to have originated in the Scottish Highlands, where it was likely borne by a family who traced their lineage back to an early Christian saint named Kessog or Kessock. Over time, the surname Mac Kelpie evolved into various forms, including MacKellie, MacKilley, and eventually, Mackel.
While Mackel is not particularly common today, it has been used as both a first name and a surname throughout history. Some notable figures with the name include Scottish poet Robert Mackel (1756-1829) and American politician George W. Mackel Jr. (1904-1973).
In summary, Mackel is a rare and distinctive given name of Scottish origin that traces back to an early Christian saint. With its unique sound and historical ties, it continues to be a recognizable name among those who appreciate uncommon and meaningful monikers.
The name Mackel has seen a steady but modest presence in the United States over the past few years, with a total of 16 babies being named Mackel between 1959 and 1962. The peak year for this name was 1961, with 6 births recorded that year. This is followed by two years with 5 births each, in 1959 and 1962. Despite these numbers being relatively low compared to more popular names, it's clear that the name Mackel has had a consistent, if small, following among parents over this time period.