McClain is a surname of Scottish origin that has been adopted as a given name in recent years. The name is believed to have derived from the Gaelic word "MacLean," which means "son of Lean" or "son of John." Lean was a personal name of uncertain etymology, but it may have come from the Irish name "Lían," meaning "little Lochlannach" or "little Norse man."
The McClain surname is thought to have originated in the region around Lochaber in the Scottish Highlands. The MacLeans were a powerful clan who traced their ancestry back to Gillean of the Race, a 13th-century Celtic chieftain. The clan played a significant role in Scottish history and was involved in many battles and conflicts throughout the centuries.
As a given name, McClain has become popular in recent years, particularly in the United States. It is often used as an alternative to more traditional names like Michael or John. While there is no specific meaning associated with the name McClain when used as a given name, it carries the same historic and cultural significance as its use as a surname.
Some notable people with the name McClain include:
* American musician Justin McClain
* American actress and model Katherine McClain
* Canadian politician John McClain
* American football player Eric McClain
The McClain name has a fascinating history of usage in the United States, as evidenced by the following statistics:
From 1918 to 2023, there have been a total of 457 births registered with the first name McClain in the United States. The name's popularity has varied significantly over time.
In the early years recorded, from 1918 to 1953, the number of births was consistently low, with only one or two instances each decade. However, starting in the late 1970s, we begin to see a gradual increase in its usage.
The first notable peak occurred in the mid-1990s, with a significant rise between 1994 and 1997, reaching a high of 14 births per year. This trend continued into the early 2000s, with another peak of 19 births recorded in 2000.
After this peak, the number of births started to decline slightly but remained consistently higher than the earlier decades. We see several years with over ten births each, indicating a steady level of popularity for the name McClain.
Recently, from 2015 onwards, we observe another surge in popularity, with numbers increasing from 17 in 2015 to 21 in 2022, and most recently, 19 in 2023. This recent trend suggests that the name McClain continues to be a popular choice among parents in the United States.
In conclusion, while McClain may not have been a common name throughout its history of usage in the U.S., it has experienced periods of notable popularity, particularly since the late 1970s. Its recent trend indicates that it remains a favored choice for parents today.