What does McGregor mean and where does it come from?
McGregor is a Scottish surname that has branched out into being used as a first name. The Mac prefix historically denotes 'son of,' linking it to the Gaelic roots of Scotland and Ireland. Notable figures with this surname include boxer Conor McGregor, making the name widely recognized in contemporar
Cultural significance
McGregor has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scotland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of mcgregor means 'son of gregor'..
Peak popularity
Reached #7222 in 1998 — currently #8744 in the US.
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Related Reading
Scotland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell McGregor?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with McGregor?
McGregor works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
McGregor Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
McGregor John
One syllable · timeless choice
McGregor Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
McGregor Beau
One syllable · on the rise
McGregor Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
McGregor Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is McGregor right now?
Rising fast — up 4664 spots — currently #8744 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2022 | #8744 | 9 | ▲ up 4664 · +80% births |
| 2021 | #13408 | 5 | ▼ down 2741 · -17% births |
| 2005 | #10667 | 6 | — |
The story of McGregor
McGregor is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1983. With 89 total births recorded, McGregor remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #10667 in 2005 to #8744 in 2022.
Names that peaked alongside McGregor in 1998:
McGregor by decade
McGregor peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1980s | 5 | |
| 1990s | 24 | |
| 2000s ★ | 37 | |
| 2010s | 23 | |
💎McGregor has only 89 total recorded births since 1983 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for McGregor?
Common
McgMcgregMcgregieMcgregyEgor
What names sound and feel like McGregor?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love McGregor also consider these
Common questions about the name McGregor
What does the name McGregor mean?
McGregor means "McGregor 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 McGregor?
McGregor is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for McGregor have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of McGregor?
McGregor 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.
Is McGregor trending right now?
McGregor is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.
Is McGregor a common or rare name?
McGregor is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.