Declining since 1997.
Popularity of Maclean since 1987
Babies named Maclean per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 5 |
| 1990s | 107 |
| 2000s | 105 |
| 2010s | 43 |
| 2020s | 31 |
Meaning & origin
Maclean is a modern given name that emerged as a spelling variant of the Scottish surname McLean. It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1987 and saw its highest usage in 1998, though it never reached the top 1000. The name has followed a downward trajectory since 1997, and in recent years it has become quite rare, with no significant popularity in any particular state. While its meaning is uncertain, it is widely understood to be a form of McLean, linking it to Scottish heritage. Parents who choose Maclean often favor its sleek sound and the option of the nickname Mac, making it a distinctive but straightforward choice for a boy.
Maclean is a modern spelling variant of the Scottish surname and given name McLean, which derives from the Gaelic Mac Gille Eathain, meaning 'son of the servant of Saint John'. The name has been used as a given name since the late 20th century, primarily in the United States and Canada. It saw a modest peak in usage in the late 1990s.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mac
Sibling names for Maclean
Names that share Maclean's style, for a brother or sister.
