What does Maclean mean and where does it come from?
Maclean is of Gaelic origin, derived from 'Mac Gille Eathain,' meaning 'son of the servant of St. John.' This surname and given name is historically associated with the Scottish Highlands and has a noble lineage. Maclean is a notable family name in Scotland, referring to clan members who have a rich
Cultural significance
Maclean has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scottish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of son of the servant of st. john.
Peak popularity
Reached #3378 in 1998 — currently #8661 in the US.
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Related Reading
Scottish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Maclean?
Maclean works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Maclean Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Maclean Rose
Floral · soft ending
Maclean Mae
Sweet · timeless
Maclean Claire
French influence · crisp
Maclean Jane
Literary · strong
Maclean Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Maclean right now?
Rising fast — up 4921 spots — currently #8661 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #8661 | 9 | ▲ up 4921 · +80% births |
| 2022 | #13582 | 5 | ▼ down 1976 · -17% births |
| 2021 | #11606 | 6 | ▼ down 602 |
| 2020 | #11004 | 6 | ▼ down 1024 · -14% births |
| 2015 | #9980 | 7 | ▼ down 805 · -12% births |
| 2010 | #9175 | 8 | ▼ down 1800 · -20% births |
| 2005 | #7375 | 10 | ▼ down 2659 · -37% births |
| 2000 | #4716 | 16 | ▲ up 2814 · +129% births |
| 1995 | #7530 | 7 | — |
The story of Maclean
Maclean is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1987. With 266 total births recorded, Maclean remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #7530 in 1995, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #8661 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Maclean in 1998:
Maclean by decade
Maclean peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1980s | 5 | |
| 1990s ★ | 107 | |
| 2000s | 105 | |
| 2010s | 43 | |
| 2020s | 6 | |
💎Maclean has only 266 total recorded births since 1987 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Maclean?
What names sound and feel like Maclean?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Maclean also consider these
Common questions about the name Maclean
What does the name Maclean mean?
Maclean means "son of the servant of St. John" — 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 Maclean?
Maclean is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Maclean have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Maclean?
Maclean 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.
Is Maclean trending right now?
Maclean is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.
Is Maclean a common or rare name?
Maclean is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.