"son of Flann (red-haired one)"
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Language: English
Maclin
Pronunciation: [ m-AKL-uhn ]
Does Maclin flow with your last name?
A proud Celtic surname turned first name
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Meaning & Origin
"son of the devotee of Saint Faolán"
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Language: English
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The Story of Maclin
Maclin is an anglicized form of the Scottish and Irish Gaelic surname Mac Fhlannchadha or Mac Giolla Fhaoláin, meaning 'son of the red-haired one' or 'son of the devotee of Saint Faolán.' The 'Mac' prefix is the Scottish and Irish Gaelic word for 'son,' making this a classic patronymic surname now used as a given name. It shares roots with surname variants like McLean, MacLane, and McClain.
Maclin has emerged as a given name in the 21st century as surname-to-first-name transfers have become fashionable in the US. The familiar 'Mac' nickname and strong Celtic sound have made it appealing to parents seeking a name that feels both rooted and contemporary.
In Scottish and Irish tradition, the Mac/Mc prefix surnames represent proud clan identities passed down through generations. Using Maclin as a given name honors that heritage while modernizing it for new generations.
Historical Record
Maclin first appeared in US Social Security records in 1996.
Over 406 babies have been named Maclin in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Maclin is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #5,241 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The 'Mac' prefix in Celtic names means 'son of,' making it one of the oldest naming traditions in Europe
- Over 1,000 Scottish and Irish surnames begin with Mac or Mc
- McLean and MacLean are common surnames tracing back to the same Gaelic roots
Maclin in Other Languages
Irish
Mac Giolla Fhaoláin
Gaelic
Mac Fhlannchaidh
Scottish
MacLean
Popularity Over Time
#5,241
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Maclin
M
Mac McClung
Athlete
1999
NBA guard and two-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion
M
Maclin Barrett Fictional
Other
Fictional character with this surname-as-first-name style
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Compare Maclin with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #5,241
- Total SSA Count
- 19
- Cultural Origins
- Scottish Irish American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Mac
Mack
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, Scottish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, Scottish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Maclin
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sounds Like Maclin
Phonetic neighbors that share Maclin's rhythm, vowel shape, or consonant cluster. Tap any name to see its full "names like" list.
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Maclin is also used as a girl name, ranked #42291.
View Maclin as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Scottish)
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Taino origin
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Frequently Asked Questions About Maclin
What does the name Maclin mean?
"son of Flann (red-haired one)" (from Scottish Gaelic). "son of the devotee of Saint Faolán" (from Irish Gaelic). Maclin is an anglicized form of the Scottish and Irish Gaelic surname Mac Fhlannchadha or Mac Giolla Fhaoláin, meaning 'son of the red-haired one' or 'son of the devotee of Saint Faolán.' The 'Mac' prefix is the Scottish and Irish Gaelic word for 'son,' making this a classic patronymic surname now used as a given name. It shares roots with surname variants like McLean, MacLane, and McClain.
What is the origin of the name Maclin?
Maclin has Scottish Gaelic, Irish Gaelic, Scottish, Irish, and American origins. In Scottish Gaelic, it means "son of Flann (red-haired one)". In Irish Gaelic, it means "son of the devotee of Saint Faolán".
Is Maclin a boy or girl name?
Maclin is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #5241. As a girl name, it is ranked #42291. Maclin is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Maclin?
Maclin is pronounced m-AKL-uhn.
How popular is the name Maclin?
Maclin is currently ranked #5241 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Maclin?
Common nicknames for Maclin include Mac and Mack.
What are good middle names for Maclin?
Popular middle name pairings include Maclin James, Maclin Reid, Maclin Cole, Maclin Owen, Maclin Patrick, and Maclin Grant.
What are good sibling names for Maclin?
Names that pair well with Maclin as siblings include Finnegan, Reid, Declan, Briar, Sloane, and Rowan.
How many syllables does Maclin have?
Maclin has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Maclin a common or rare name?
Maclin is an uncommon name, ranked #5241 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
Browse all middle names, sibling names, or similar names.
About the Name Maclin
Maclin is a boy name with Scottish, Irish, and American origins . The name means "son of Flann (red-haired one)" in Scottish Gaelic .
Is Maclin a boy or girl name? Maclin is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #5,241 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #42,291. Maclin is more commonly used as a boy name.
Maclin is currently ranked #5,241 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Maclin has 2 syllables and is pronounced m-AKL-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Maclin include Mac and Mack. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis