Macdonald Boy
Origin(s)
Pronunciationmak-DON-ald / /məkˈdɒnəld/Scottish; Gaelic
Meaning
Scottish: son of Donald; Gaelic: servant of the world
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Macdonald is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic 'Mac Dhòmhnaill', meaning 'son of Donald'. It has been borne by several notable Scottish clans, particularly the Clan Donald, which played a significant role in Scottish history. The name reflects a patronymic tradition common in Gaelic culture, where 'Mac' signifies 'son of'. Over time, it has spread beyond Scotland, becoming a surname and given name in various English-speaking countries.
Trend Summary
The name Macdonald has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, with a notable presence as both a surname and a given name.
Similar Names
Variants
- Macdonell
- Macdonnell
International Variants
- Macdonald (English)
- Macdonnel (Irish)
Famous people named Macdonald
Macdonald F. Hall was a Canadian author recognized for his contributions to children's literature.
Fictional characters named Macdonald
Macdonald is a character in the children's book series 'The Adventures of Paddington', known for his friendly demeanor.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Macdonald was first seen in the United States in 1915. Macdonald has ranked as high as #1134 nationally, which occurred in 1961, and has been most popular in . In the past 5 years the name Macdonald has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Macdonald
No state data available for this year.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1915 | 5 |
| 1918 | 5 |
| 1920 | 5 |
| 1929 | 8 |
| 1930 | 6 |
| 1937 | 7 |
| 1938 | 5 |
| 1947 | 6 |
| 1948 | 6 |
| 1949 | 6 |
| 1950 | 7 |
| 1951 | 6 |
| 1952 | 5 |
| 1953 | 5 |
| 1956 | 7 |
| 1957 | 6 |
| 1959 | 7 |
| 1960 | 5 |
| 1961 | 9 |
| 1962 | 9 |
| 1963 | 7 |
| 1964 | 7 |
| 1973 | 5 |
| 1990 | 5 |
| 2002 | 5 |