What does MacGregor mean and where does it come from?
MacGregor is a patronymic surname meaning 'son of Gregor', with 'Gregor' originating from the Greek name 'Gregorios' meaning 'watchful' or 'vigilant'. The name is heavily associated with Scottish identity and historical clans, particularly the Clan Gregor, which has a rich history dating back to the
Cultural significance
MacGregor has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scotland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of son of gregor.
Peak popularity
Reached #4489 in 2000 — currently #10406 in the US.
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Related Reading
Scotland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell MacGregor?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with MacGregor?
MacGregor works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
MacGregor Grace
Most popular combo · classic
MacGregor Rose
Floral · soft ending
MacGregor Mae
Sweet · timeless
MacGregor Claire
French influence · crisp
MacGregor Jane
Literary · strong
MacGregor Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is MacGregor right now?
Falling — down 3823 spots — currently #10406 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2015 | #9850 | 7 | ▼ down 3823 · -46% births |
| 2005 | #6027 | 13 | ▼ down 1538 · -24% births |
| 2000 | #4489 | 17 | ▲ up 3737 · +183% births |
| 1995 | #8226 | 6 | ▼ down 623 |
| 1990 | #7603 | 6 | ▼ down 446 · +20% births |
| 1985 | #7157 | 5 | — |
The story of MacGregor
MacGregor is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1974. With 282 total births recorded, MacGregor remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #7157 in 1985, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #9850 in 2015.
Names that peaked alongside MacGregor in 2000:
MacGregor by decade
MacGregor peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 5 | |
| 1980s | 33 | |
| 1990s | 80 | |
| 2000s ★ | 109 | |
| 2010s | 55 | |
💎MacGregor has only 282 total recorded births since 1974 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for MacGregor?
What names sound and feel like MacGregor?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love MacGregor also consider these
Common questions about the name MacGregor
What does the name MacGregor mean?
MacGregor means "Son of Gregor" — a name rooted in Scotland 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 MacGregor?
MacGregor 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 MacGregor?
MacGregor originates from Scotland tradition. Scotland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name MacGregor?
MacGregor is a three-syllable name pronounced M AH0 G R EH1 G ER0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with MacGregor?
MacGregor pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Scotland heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.