Last Name Mcdonald

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Mcdonald

Ethnicity-wise, the Mcdonald surname showed diverse representation according to the Decennial U.S. Census data. The highest proportion of people with this surname identified as White, comprising 79.19% in 2000 and falling slightly to 76.65% in 2010. The Black community followed next, accounting for 16.26% in 2000 and increasing to 17.28% in 2010. The Hispanic representation also grew significantly by 47.57%, moving from 1.85% in 2000 to 2.73% in 2010. People identifying as Two or more races and Asian/Pacific Islander saw increases of 33.11% and 27.91% respectively. The American Indian and Alaskan Native group remained relatively stable, showing a minor increase of 2.63%.

	2000	2010	Change
White	79.19%	76.65%	-3.21%
Black	16.26%	17.28%	6.27%
Hispanic	1.85%	2.73%	47.57%
Two or More Races	1.51%	2.01%	33.11%
American Indian and Alaskan Native	0.76%	0.78%	2.63%
Asian/Pacific Islander	0.43%	0.55%	27.91%

Mcdonald ancestry composition

NomOrigine computes an ancestry breakdown for each customer. People may have ancestry from just one population or they may have ancestry from several populations. The most commonly-observed ancestry found in people with the surname Mcdonald is British & Irish, which comprises 56.8% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are French & German (19.9%) and Eastern European (4.0%). Additional ancestries include Scandinavian, Italian, Nigerian, Spanish & Portuguese, and Ghanaian, Liberian & Sierra Leonean.

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ANCESTRY BREAKDOWN	COMPOSITION
British & Irish	56.8%
French & German	19.9%
Eastern European	4.0%
Other	19.2%

Your maternal lineage may be linked to Marie Antoinette

Because it is so dominant in the general European population, haplogroup H also appears quite frequently in the continent's royal houses. Marie Antoinette, an Austrian Hapsburg who married into the French royal family, inherited the haplogroup from her maternal ancestors. So did Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, whose recorded genealogy traces his female line to Bavaria. Scientists also discovered that famed 16th century astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus traced his maternal lineages to haplogroup H.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mcdonald

The meaning and origin of the last name Mcdonald

The surname McDonald is of Scottish origin and signifies "son of Donald." The name itself is a combination of the Gaelic words "mac" meaning "son" and "Domhnuill" meaning "ruler of the world." As a patronymic surname, McDonald was initially used to identify individuals who were descendants of a man named Donald, which was a popular name in Scotland during the Middle Ages. The name Donald originated from the Old Celtic name "Domhnall," which was composed of the elements "dumno," meaning "world," and "val," meaning "rule." The McDonald name has a rich history and is associated with various clans in Scotland, with the most notable being Clan Donald. This powerful clan played a significant role in the Kingdom of Scotland and later in the Kingdom of Great Britain. Over time, descendants of the Clan Donald spread throughout Scotland and Ireland, and eventually, due to migration and immigration, the surname became more widespread globally. Today, McDonald is a common surname primarily found among individuals of Scottish heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mcdonald

The last name McDonald has a extensive geographical distribution, indicating its prevalence and widespread nature. The name is most commonly found in English-speaking countries, especially in Scotland and Ireland, where it originated. In Scotland, the name can be traced back to the Clan MacDonald, one of the largest and most influential Highland clans. As a result, many individuals with the last name McDonald can be found in various regions of Scotland, particularly in the Highlands and the Western Isles. Due to migration patterns, the McDonald surname has also spread to other parts of the world. It is quite common in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where Scottish and Irish immigrants settled in significant numbers over the years. Additionally, the name can be found in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, reflecting the historical connections between the British Isles and the origins of the surname. Overall, the geographical distribution of the McDonald last name demonstrates its global reach and the impact of Scottish and Irish migration on different regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mcdonald

The last name McDonald can have various spellings and variations depending on regional and personal preferences. Some common variations include Macdonald, McDonnell, MacDonald, Macdonnell, McDaniel, MacDowell, McDowall, McDermott, McConachie, and several others. These variations may have originated from different countries, such as Ireland, Scotland, or England, where the name took on different forms due to dialects and influences. The prefix "Mc" or "Mac" can be interchangeable and generally means "son of" or "descendant of" in Gaelic. Thus, McDonald could also be written as MacDonald or even Macdonald, as both versions signify the same lineage. The spellings and variations of the name can be attributed to factors like migration, phonetic evolution, or deliberate changes made by individuals over time. Despite the different spellings, these variations ultimately represent a common ancestry shared by many individuals with the last name McDonald.

Famous people with the last name Mcdonald

One of the famous individuals with the last name McDonald is Michael McDonald, an American singer-songwriter and musician. Known for his soulful voice and distinct vocal style, McDonald gained prominence as a member of the rock band The Doobie Brothers in the 1970s. He contributed to hits such as "Takin' It to the Streets" and "What a Fool Believes." McDonald also had a successful solo career, with popular songs like "I Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near)" and "Sweet Freedom." Another notable figure with the last name McDonald is Mac McDonald, a British actor recognized for his role as Captain Hollister in the cult British television series "Red Dwarf." With his memorable performances and contributions to their respective fields, both Michael and Mac McDonald have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

Genealogical research on the last name Mcdonald

The surname McDonald is of Scottish origin and has a fascinating genealogical history. It is derived from the Gaelic name "MacDhòmhnaill," meaning "son of Donald." The patriarch of this ancient Scottish clan was Donald, who was descended from the early Celtic kings of Dalriada. The clan's ancestral lands were located in the Western Isles of Scotland, near the Isle of Skye. Over time, the McDonalds gained prominence and influence in their region, participating in numerous battles and playing a significant role in Scottish history. They were fierce warriors and staunch supporters of the Jacobite cause. Through the centuries, the McDonald clan spread across Scotland, and many migrated to other parts of the world, particularly during the Scottish diaspora. Today, the McDonald surname is found across the globe, with descendants proudly preserving their Scottish heritage and the rich history of their illustrious clan.