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Maclean
Pronounced muh-KLAYN /məˈkleɪn/Medium
Meaning: Maclean is the anglicized form of Scottish Gaelic MacGilleEathain — 'son of the servant of Eathain', that is, of Saint John. It is the name of a great Hebridean clan, seated for centuries on the isle of Mull.Medium
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
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
Maclean anglicizes Scottish Gaelic Mac Gille Eathain, 'son of the servant of Eathain' — Eathain being the Gaelic form of John. It is the surname of a powerful Hebridean clan whose stronghold, Duart Castle on Mull, still stands. Like many Scottish surnames it crossed to first-name use in America, and the writer Norman Maclean kept it in the ear (said 'muh-KLAYN').
It is very rare as a first name in the U.S. Rare, clan-rooted, and dignified.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Maclean mean?
Maclean is Scottish Gaelic for 'son of the servant of Eathain' — that is, of Saint John. It is a great Hebridean clan name.
How do you pronounce Maclean?
It's said muh-KLAYN /məˈkleɪn/ — two syllables, stress on the second.
Is Maclean a boy or girl name?
Maclean is used as a boy's name.
How popular is Maclean?
Maclean is a very rare first name for boys in the U.S.