McDonald

“son of Donald.”

Scotland origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#523US 2023

1.7kBirths / yr

→Stable

605All-time births

📅 Since 191300

How to pronounce McDonald

mukd·AH·nuld

/məkd.ˈɑ.nəld/ · stress on AH · 3 syllables

“son of Donald.”

Scotland origin · Boy name

What does McDonald mean and where does it come from?

McDonald is a surname derived from the Scottish Gaelic Mac Dhomhnaill, meaning 'son of Donald.' The name Donald comes from the Gaelic Domhnall, meaning 'world ruler.' The McDonald surname has historical significance in Scotland, with the clan McDonald being one of the largest and most prominent Scot

Cultural significance

McDonald has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scotland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of scottish.

Peak popularity

Reached #1768 in 1932 — currently #523 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell McDonald?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Macdonald

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with McDonald?

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

McDonald Grace

How popular is McDonald right now?

Holding steady — currently #523 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#523 · Top 0.39%

1925

1930

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

1960

1965

1970

1975

2000

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#523	1,677	▲ up 5 · +1% births
2022	#528	1,657	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021	#533	1,627	▲ up 9935 · +32440% births
2000	#10468	5	▼ down 5533 · -17% births
1975	#4935	6	▼ down 570
1970	#4365	6	▼ down 703
1965	#3662	6	▼ down 896 · -40% births
1960	#2766	10	▼ down 664 · -33% births
1955	#2102	15	▲ up 186 · +25% births
1950	#2288	12	▲ up 49 · +20% births
1945	#2337	10	▼ down 283 · -23% births
1940	#2054	13	▲ up 425 · +30% births
1935	#2479	10	▲ up 702 · +25% births
1930	#3181	8	▲ up 716 · +33% births
1925	#3897	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for McDonald

Best Year2023Rank #523

Peak Count1,677

Average Rank#3007

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1915 - 202317 years

The story of McDonald

McDonald entered American naming records in 1913 and has been in use for over 111 years. With 605 total births recorded, McDonald remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2578 in 1915 to #523 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside McDonald in 1932:

Robert James John William Richard

McDonald by decade

McDonald peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	81
1920s	109
1930s	105
1940s	96
1950s ★	118
1960s	63
1970s	23
1980s	5
2000s	5

💎McDonald has only 605 total recorded births since 1913 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for McDonald?

Common

McdMcdonMcdonieMcdonyOnald

What names sound and feel like McDonald?

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

Macdonald

Scottish · son of Donald

Ronald

Scotland · ruler's advisor

Donnald

Scotland · Scottish

Onald

Scotland · Scottish Gaelic

Danald

Scotland · Derived from 'Donald',

Dougald

Scotland · Dubhgall

McKenzie

Scotland · Scottish Gaelic

Donaldá

Scotland · World ruler

Common questions about the name McDonald

What does the name McDonald mean?

McDonald means "Scottish" — 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 McDonald?

McDonald is currently ranked #523 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 McDonald?

McDonald 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 McDonald?

McDonald is a three-syllable name pronounced M AH0 K D AA1 N AH0 L D. 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 McDonald?

McDonald 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.