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Home › Baby Names Directory › Macaulay

Macaulay

♂ Boy

Pronounced muh-KAW-lee /məˈkɔ.li/Medium

Meaning: From the Scottish/Gaelic surname Mac Amhalghaidh, variously read 'son of Amhalghadh' and linked to 'a relic; a phantom'; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: Son of Amhalghadh: Macaulay is a Scottish surname. Crisp, classic, and warm (said 'muh-KAW-lee').
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Origin LowScottish, Gaelic
MeaningFrom the Scottish/Gaelic surname Mac Amhalghaidh, variously read 'son of Amhalghadh' and linked to 'a relic; a phantom'; routes layered
U.S. rank (2025)#5521 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births17 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1992
Total births (all-time)≈ 266

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 199219902025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Macaulay comes from the Scottish/Gaelic surname Mac Amhalghaidh, variously read 'son of Amhalghadh' and linked to 'a relic; a phantom' (routes layered, which we note; made famous by actor Macaulay Culkin). A crisp, classic name (said 'muh-KAW-lee'; nickname Mac).

In the U.S. it appears as a surname-name. Rare, son-of-Amhalghadh at the root, and classic.

Did you know? Macaulay is a Scottish/Gaelic surname, 'son of Amhalghadh' — made famous by actor Macaulay Culkin — crisp and classic (the routes are layered, which we note; said 'muh-KAW-lee').
Overall data confidence 40%
References — Macaulay — routes layered

Variations

MacauleyMcAulayMacaulley

Nicknames

Mac

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Macaulay…

Macauley— a kin spelling
Mckay— another surname-name pick
Murray— another Scottish name
Macallan— a similarly popular pick
Mckinley— lands in the same popularity range

Explore names like Macaulay

By themeuncertainsurname-namescottishgaelic

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Macaulay mean?

Macaulay is a Scottish/Gaelic surname, 'son of Amhalghadh'; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Macaulay?

It's said muh-KAW-lee /məˈkɔ.li/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Macaulay a boy or girl name?

Macaulay is a boy's name.

How popular is Macaulay?

Macaulay is a rare name in the U.S.

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