Macdonald

“son of Donald” — Associated with several Scottish clans

Scottish origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1994US 2023

206Births / yr

→Stable

154All-time births

📅 Since 191500

What does Macdonald mean and where does it come from?

Macdonald is a traditional Scottish surname that literally means 'son of Donald'. It is derived from the Gaelic surname 'Mac Dhòmhnaill'. The name has historical significance and is associated with several Scottish clans. There are notable figures in history with the surname, including several Scott

Cultural significance

Macdonald has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scottish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of son of donald.

Peak popularity

Reached #2955 in 1962 — currently #1994 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Macdonald?

Macdonald works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Macdonald Grace

How popular is Macdonald right now?

Holding steady — currently #1994 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#1994 · Top 1.5%

1915

1920

1930

1950

1960

1990

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1994	206	▲ up 5 · +11% births
2022	#1999	186	▲ up 5 · +19% births
2021	#2004	156	▲ up 6341 · +3020% births
1990	#8345	5	▼ down 4038
1960	#4307	5	▼ down 1078 · -29% births
1950	#3229	7	▲ up 649 · +17% births
1930	#3878	6	▲ up 779 · +20% births
1920	#4657	5	▼ down 368
1915	#4289	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Macdonald

Best Year2023Rank #1994

Peak Count206

Average Rank#3856

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1915 - 20239 years

The story of Macdonald

Macdonald entered American naming records in 1915 and has been in use for over 109 years. With 154 total births recorded, Macdonald remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4289 in 1915 to #1994 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Macdonald in 1962:

Michael David John James Robert

Macdonald by decade

Macdonald peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	10
1920s	13
1930s	18
1940s	18
1950s ★	43
1960s	37
1970s	5
1990s	5
2000s	5

💎Macdonald has only 154 total recorded births since 1915 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Macdonald?

Common

MacMaOnald

What names sound and feel like Macdonald?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Macdonald also consider these

Scottish · son of the

Archiebald

Scottish · genuine and bold

Mackinnon

Scottish · Scottish Gaelic

Archibald

Scotland · Genuine, bold, brave

Garibald

Irish · A Irish name

Rondald

Scottish · ruler's advisor

Common questions about the name Macdonald

What does the name Macdonald mean?

Macdonald means "son of Donald" — a name rooted in Scottish tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Macdonald?

Macdonald is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Macdonald?

Macdonald originates from Scottish tradition. Scottish names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

What sibling names go well with Macdonald?

Macdonald pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Scottish heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.

Is Macdonald a common or rare name?

Macdonald is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.