All surnames

Scottish surname

MacDonald

Son of Domhnall

Clan or community name

Domhnall (Donald) combines Gaelic elements usually glossed as "world ruler".

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Frequently asked questions

What does the surname MacDonald mean?

Son of Domhnall. Domhnall (Donald) combines Gaelic elements usually glossed as "world ruler".

Is MacDonald a common surname?

MacDonald is a Scottish-origin surname. Popularity varies widely by country and region, and the same surname can be common in one place and rare in another.

Can two families with the same surname be unrelated?

Yes. Surnames, especially occupational and descriptive ones like this, were often adopted independently by many unrelated families who happened to share a trade, appearance, or location.

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