MacGregor is a Scottish surname and given name that has a rich history and significant meaning. The name originated from the Gaelic word "Mac Gille Brighe," which translates to "son of Gregor." Gregor itself means "vigilant" or "watchful."
The MacGregor clan was one of the most powerful and influential clans in Scotland during the Middle Ages. They were known for their courage, determination, and military prowess. The clan's chief was often a close advisor to the Scottish monarch, and they played a significant role in shaping Scottish history.
Over time, the name MacGregor became popular as a given name, especially among families with Scottish heritage or those who admired Scottish culture and history. Today, it is still commonly used as both a surname and a given name throughout Scotland and other parts of the world where Scottish communities have settled.
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in Scottish names like MacGregor, partly due to popular media portrayals of Scottish history and culture, such as the television show "Outlander." The name continues to be associated with strength, bravery, and loyalty, reflecting the qualities of the historic MacGregor clan.
Based on the statistics provided for the name Macgregor in the United States, we can observe some interesting trends over time.
From 1974 to 2019, a total of 282 babies were named Macgregor. The number of births per year varied significantly, ranging from a low of 5 to a high of 17. This indicates that the name's popularity has fluctuated quite a bit over the decades.
The years with the highest number of Macgregor births were 1996 and 2000, each with 17 babies named Macgregor. These peaks in popularity suggest that there may have been certain cultural influences or trends at play during these periods that made the name more appealing to parents.
However, it's important to note that even during these peak years, the name Macgregor was still relatively rare compared to many other names. This suggests that while some families may have chosen this name for its uniqueness, others might have done so because they had a personal connection or appreciation for the name.
Overall, while the number of babies named Macgregor has varied over time, it appears that this name has maintained a consistent yet limited presence in the United States.