MallowbyNames

Mccartney

muh-KAHRT-nee · Surname transferred to given name, meaning 'son of Cartney'.

2025 rank (girls)
#11,932
Babies named in 2025
7
Peak popularity
2008
2025 frequency
1 in 229,610 girls
Usually for
Girls & boys
Trend
Declining since 2013

Declining since 2013, #11,932 for girls today.

Popularity of Mccartney since 1995

Babies named Mccartney per year in U.S. Social Security records.

81523200020102020Most births 2008GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirlsBoys
1990s1113
2000s11965
2010s14624
2020s4422

Meaning & origin

Mccartney is a surname-turned-given name that first appeared on the U.S. baby name charts in 1996. Its peak popularity came in 2008, when it ranked highest in usage. Since 2013, however, its trajectory has been falling, reflecting a broader shift away from celebrity-inspired surname names. The name is unisex, but recent data shows it is used more often for girls. Despite its decline, Mccartney remains a distinctive choice with a clear musical association, appealing to parents who appreciate British rock culture and the legacy of Paul McCartney.

Mccartney is a Scottish and Irish surname, a variant of McCartney or MacCartney, meaning 'son of Cartney'. The personal name Cartney is of uncertain origin, possibly derived from a Gaelic word meaning 'loving' or 'friend'. As a given name, it came into use in the late 20th century, likely inspired by the fame of musician Paul McCartney.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Mac, Macca, Carty, Cartney

Variants: McCartney, MacCartney

Sibling names for Mccartney

Names that share Mccartney's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

M is for Mccartney, our favorite little person.

M is for Mccartney…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Mccartney's letter becomes Mccartney's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Mccartney's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Mccartney mean?
Mccartney is a surname used as a given name, meaning 'son of Cartney'.
How popular is the name Mccartney?
As of 2025, Mccartney ranked 11,932 in the United States, with about 1 in 229,610 newborns given the name.
Is Mccartney a boy's or girl's name?
Mccartney is considered unisex, though it is more commonly used for girls in recent years.