McClain is a unique and distinctive given name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Scottish surname McClane, which itself originates from the Gaelic name MacLeathain. This name means "son of Leathan," with Leathan being an old Gaelic personal name that likely means "-wide" or "broad."
The name McClain has a rich history dating back to medieval Scotland. It is believed to have been brought to Scotland by Norsemen, who were Vikings from Scandinavia. These Norse settlers introduced their own names and culture into Scotland, and over time, these names became integrated into Scottish culture.
In the Middle Ages, it was common for Scottish families to use patriarchal naming patterns, where a son would be named after his father's first name or a variant thereof. As a result, McClain may have been used as a variation of other names like Malcolm or Alexander.
Today, McClain is still predominantly found in Scotland and among people of Scottish descent. However, it has also gained some popularity as a given name in the United States, particularly since the late 20th century. Despite its increasing usage, McClain remains relatively rare, making it a unique choice for parents looking for an unusual yet meaningful name.
In conclusion, McClain is a Scottish name with a fascinating history and a distinctive meaning. Whether used as a given name or a surname, McClain carries the weight of centuries of Scottish tradition and culture.
The name Mclain has had a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past four decades, with a total of 207 babies given this name during that period.
In the early years tracked, from 1982 to 1991, there was an average of about 6 births per year. The number of births started to increase significantly in the mid-1990s, reaching a peak of 12 births in 2002. This trend continued until 2005, with an average of around 9 births per year during this period.
After 2005, the popularity of the name Mclain began to decline, with an average of about 7 births per year from 2006 to 2010. However, there was a brief resurgence in popularity between 2012 and 2015, with an average of around 9 births per year during this period.
In recent years, the name Mclain has continued to maintain a moderate level of popularity, with around 7 to 8 births per year from 2016 to 2021. Overall, while the name Mclain has had its ups and downs in popularity over the past four decades, it remains a relatively uncommon name, with only 207 babies given this name in total during this period.