The prefix “Mac” is seeing a serious surge in baby name popularity (rising Mac name popularity). While these names have strong Scottish and Irish roots (Scottish/Irish Mac name meanings), they’ve been embraced by parents everywhere for their solid, meaningful, yet modern vibe.
Whether you’re looking for a name with Celtic flair or just really dig that decisive “Mac” start, this guide will explore top Mac options (top Mac baby names) for both baby boys and girls. From vintage revivals to newly popular picks, you’re sure to find some perfect meaningful monikers on this list.
25 Strong, Masculine Mac Boy Names (strong masculine Mac boy names) (unique Mac names)
For boys, Mac names just ooze masculinity, confidence, and strength. These mighty monikers are sure to serve your son well:
- Macaulay – A Scottish surname name meaning “son of the colored and unseemly fellow” (Mac name meanings/origins).
- McCoy – An Irish surname meaning “descendent of the young high one” with cowboy swagger (vintage Mac name revivals).
- Maccabee – A Hebrew name referencing the rebel warriors who fought for Jewish freedom (Biblical/religious Mac names).
- Macon – A place name from Georgia with French roots and a quirky feel.
- MacKenzie – A classic Scottish surname name meaning “fair, bright one” (Scottish/Irish Mac name meanings).
- Macsen – The Welsh form of the Roman name Maximus, meaning “the greatest.”
- Malachi – From the Hebrew for “messenger of God,” a biblical name with that quintessential Mac start (Biblical/religious Mac names).
- Macco – A unique short form that could work for a little guy (uncommon Mac names).
- Maclain – A modern invented Mac name blend of Gaelic elements.
- Mackinley – An Americanized surname with that trendy “Mac” head start (unique Mac names).
Across this collection, you’ll find historic Scottish and Irish surname names, biblical picks, nature names, and modern mashups – all sharing that strong Mac prefix. Many work well for either first or middle name spots.
For more boy name ideas, check out these other posts:
- 50+ Christian Baby Boy Names With Meaning
- Baby Boy Names Meaning ‘God Has Answered’
- Cool Middle Names for Boys
25 Feminine and Empowering Mac Girl Names (feminine Mac girl names) (unisex/gender-neutral Mac names)
While the Mac kick may seem more tied to masculinity traditionally, there are actually many beautiful, feminine options for Mac baby girls too:
- Macey – A charming diminutive form of the surname Mackenzie (feminine Mac girl names).
- Mckenna – An Irish surname meaning “birth” or “fair one” commonly used for girls today (nature-inspired Mac names).
- Macallister – A bold Scottish surname picked up for girls as a first name.
- Mackenzie – This unisex Scottish classic meaning “fair, bright one” is a top pick for both genders (unisex/gender-neutral Mac names).
- Macaria – A Greek name referencing “blessed” that qualifies as a rare Mac gem (uncommon Mac names).
- Macy – A feminization of the surname Macey/Mackenzie that feels cheery and feminine.
- Maclyn – An invented merger of Mac and the feminine suffix lyn.
- Macilena – A unique global mashup merging Mac with a Spanish name element.
- Maccaela – A newly created Mac name blend with ties to Irish name elements.
- McCall – An American surname pick with tomboy charm (Scottish/Irish Mac name meanings).
Here is a table of 50 Baby Names That Start With Mac
| # | Name | Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MacAllister | Scottish | Son of Alexander |
| 2 | MacArthur | Scottish | Son of Arthur |
| 3 | Macaulay | Scottish | Son of Olaf |
| 4 | McCabe | Irish | Son of the warrior |
| 5 | McCaffrey | Irish | Son of Godfrey |
| 6 | McCall | Irish/Scottish | Son of Cathal (Battle mighty) |
| 7 | McCartney | Irish | Son of Cairteann (strong) |
| 8 | McCormick | Irish | Son of Cormac (charioteer) |
| 9 | Macdonald | Scottish | Son of Donald (World ruler) |
| 10 | MacDonnell | Irish/Scottish | Son of Donnell (World mighty) |
| 11 | McDowell | Irish/Scottish | Son of the dark stranger |
| 12 | McFadden | Irish | Son of the little fierce one |
| 13 | McFarland | Scottish | Son of Parlan (Bartholomew) |
| 14 | McGinty | Irish | Son of the fair one |
| 15 | McGuire | Irish | Son of the speckled one |
| 16 | McIntire | Scottish | Son of the carpenter |
| 17 | Macintosh | Scottish | Son of the leader |
| 18 | Mackay | Scottish | Son of Fire |
| 19 | McKenzie | Scottish | Son of Kenneth (Handsome) |
| 20 | McKillop | Scottish | Son of Philip |
| 21 | McKinnon | Scottish | Son of the Fair One |
| 22 | McLean | Scottish | Son of Gillean (Servant of St. John) |
| 23 | McLeod | Scottish | Son of Leod (Ugly) |
| 24 | MacMillan | Scottish | Son of the Chaplain |
| 25 | MacNeil | Scottish | Son of Niall (Champion) |
| 26 | MacPherson | Scottish | Son of the Parson |
| 27 | MacTavish | Scottish | Son of Thomas |
| 28 | Madden | Irish | Son of Madain (Little dog) |
| 29 | Magee | Irish | Son of Aodha (Fire) |
| 30 | Maguire | Irish | Son of Odhar (pale, sallow) |
| 31 | Mahoney | Irish | Son of Mathghamhain (Bear) |
| 32 | Malone | Irish | Servant of St. John |
| 33 | Manning | Irish | Son of Manachan (Monk) |
| 34 | McCarthy | Irish | Son of Carthach (Loving) |
| 35 | McCormack | Irish | Son of Cormac (Charioteer) |
| 36 | McCoy | Irish | Son of Aodh (Fire) |
| 37 | McCullough | Irish | Son of Cullach (Boar) |
| 38 | McDermott | Irish | Son of Diarmaid (Free from envy) |
| 39 | McDonald | Scottish | Son of Donald (World Ruler) |
| 40 | McGee | Irish | Son of Aodha (Fire) |
| 41 | McGovern | Irish | Son of the Smith |
| 42 | McGrath | Irish | Son of Prosperity |
| 43 | McInnis | Scottish | Son of Angus |
| 44 | McIntyre | Scottish | Son of the Wright (Carpenter) |
| 45 | McKee | Irish | Son of Aodh (Fire) |
| 46 | McKenna | Irish | Son of Cionaodha (Born of Fire) |
| 47 | McLoughlin | Irish | Son of Lochlann (Viking) |
| 48 | McMahon | Irish | Son of the Bear |
| 49 | McManus | Irish | Son of Manus (Great) |
| 50 | McMillan | Scottish | Son of the Chaplain |
From classic unisex surnames to newly created fusions, there are so many ways to get that strong yet feminine Mac beginning for a daughter. The options showcase connections to nature, blessing meanings, ethnic origin stories, and more.
For more girl name inspo, check out these other popular posts:
Nickname Possibilities for Mac Names (Mac nickname name ideas)
One benefit of many Mac names? They come ready-made with cute built-in nickname options! (Mac name combinations)
Your formal Mackenzie could go by the sweet diminutives Kenzie, Kenz, or Kenz-y (Mac nickname name ideas). Maccabee could be Mack or Cabes. Malachi could rock Mal or Lachi.
And then of course, you have the classic option to simply call a Mac baby Mac or Mackie as an endearing nickname (Sibling Mac name sets). The possibilities abound!
Stellar Mac Middle Name Ideas (Mac middle name ideas)
While Mac makes a striking first name choice, it also works incredibly well as a middle name bridge:
- Oliver Mac
- Everly Mac
- Jasper Mac
- Amelia Mac
- Elliott Mac
- Josephine Mac
With that distinctive start, middle name Mac options just have an effortlessly cool flow (name combinations). It can be a nice way to uphold Scottish/Irish heritage in the middle spot while choosing another first name style.
Mac Names: The Total Package
Hopefully, this guide has shown you just how meaningful, unique yet accessible Mac names can be for either gender (Choosing a Mac baby name). From surname picks to newly created options, they offer so much variety in terms of origin, style, meaning, and theme.
Ultimately, whether you want a Scottish name nod, a Biblical pick, or just love the assertive sound, Mac names make wonderful modern baby selections.
