McClellan

“Son of the priest”

Scotland origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1287US 2023

913Births / yr

→Stable

89All-time births

📅 Since 189000

How to pronounce McClellan

mukl·EL·un

/məkl.ˈɛl.ən/ · stress on EL · 3 syllables

“Son of the priest”

Scotland origin · Boy name

What does McClellan mean and where does it come from?

McClellan is a surname of Scottish and Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic 'Mac Gille Chaluim', which means 'son of the servant of Saint Columba'. The name has historical significance in both Scotland and Ireland, rooted in the Christian traditions surrounding Saint Columba, who was influent

Cultural significance

McClellan has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scotland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of son of the priest.

Peak popularity

Reached #1153 in 1890 — currently #1287 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with McClellan?

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

McClellan Grace

How popular is McClellan right now?

Holding steady — currently #1287 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1890–2023#1287 · Top 0.95%

1890

1915

1920

1940

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1287	913	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1292	893	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#1297	863	▲ up 2241 · +17160% births
1940	#3538	5	▼ down 285 · -37% births
1920	#3253	8	▼ down 110 · +14% births
1915	#3143	7	▼ down 1990 · +40% births
1890	#1153	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for McClellan

Best Year2023Rank #1287

Peak Count913

Average Rank#2302

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1915 - 20236 years

The story of McClellan

McClellan has been a beloved American name for over 134 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1890. With 89 total births recorded, McClellan remains relatively uncommon.

Names that peaked alongside McClellan in 1890:

John William James George Charles

McClellan by decade

McClellan peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →

Decade	Births
1890s	5
1910s	15
1920s	19
1930s	6
1940s ★	27
2000s	17

💎McClellan has only 89 total recorded births since 1890 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for McClellan?

Common

MccMccleMcclieMcclyEllan

What names sound and feel like McClellan?

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

Mckennan

Scotland · Son of the

Macallan

Scotland · derived from 'MacAllan',

Clellan

American · From the cleared

Mclean

Scotland · son of the

McConnell

Scotland · Son of Conall

Common questions about the name McClellan

What does the name McClellan mean?

McClellan means "Son of the priest" — 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 McClellan?

McClellan 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 McClellan?

McClellan 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 McClellan?

McClellan is a three-syllable name pronounced M AH0 K L EH1 L AH0 N. 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 McClellan?

McClellan 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.