Macon

Meaning & origin

Macon is an uncommon given name that originated as a surname. Its earliest recorded use as a first name in the United States dates back to 1898. The name achieved its peak popularity in 1904, but it has since become quite rare. In 2025, Macon ranked 7,194th in popularity, with approximately 1 in 155,280 newborn boys receiving the name. Over the past several years, its usage has been in steady decline, a trajectory that has persisted since at least 2019. Despite its scarcity, Macon carries a classic, surname-style feel familiar from the city in Georgia. However, it has not appeared among the top states for usage, suggesting a scattered, low-frequency presence across the country. Parents choosing Macon today are likely drawn to its concise sound and vintage, surname-as-first-name aesthetic.

Macon is primarily a surname transferred to given name use. The surname Macon has multiple possible origins: it may derive from the Welsh personal name Maccus, a variant of the name Mac or from the Old English word 'macc' meaning 'son of.' Alternatively, it could be locational, from the city of Mâcon in France, which is named after the Gallic tribe 'Matisco.' The name saw modest use in the United States in the early 20th century, peaking in 1904, and has since declined in popularity.