Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Mack
BoyScottish, Irish· “son of”
- Meaning
- son of
- Origin
- Scottish, Irish
- Pronunciation
- MAK
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #463
- US babies 2025
- 668
- Best rank
- #96 (1900)
- Peak year
- 1942
Meaning and origin of Mack
Mack is a Scottish and Irish name that is usually said to mean “son of”.
Mack comes from the Gaelic prefix mac, meaning "son of," which begins many Scottish and Irish surnames. It developed as a nickname for men with such surnames and also as a short form of names like Mackenzie and Malcolm. In American slang, Mac or Mack was once a casual way to address a man whose name was unknown. As a given name Mack has a sturdy, friendly and unpretentious character. It is short, easy to spell and works well both on its own and as a nickname.
Other spellings with the same sound: Mac.
Popularity over time
Mack has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 125 different years. Its best national rank was #96 in 1900, and the most babies received it in 1942, when 840 were named Mack. In 2025, 668 babies were named Mack, and it ranked #463 nationally. That is 72% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #236 in 1920, #310 in 1950, #717 in 1980, #1,367 in 2000, #1,064 in 2010, and #463 in 2025. Of the 42,720 US boys named Mack since records began, 13% were born in the 1940s, its biggest decade. The 1920s come next, with 5,459 babies. Since 2010, 6,830 more have been named Mack.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Jerald and Mcarthur.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Mack ranked highest in Utah, Montana, and Idaho.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Utah | #155 | 35 |
| Montana | #166 | 8 |
| Idaho | #210 | 13 |
| North Dakota | #215 | 6 |
| New Hampshire | #218 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Mack is usually pronounced MAK, with one syllable. It has four letters, starts with M and ends in “-ck”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Mac.
Middle names for Mack
A few middle names that flow with Mack: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Mack
Similar names
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Lists that include Mack
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Mack mean?
Mack is a Scottish and Irish name that is usually said to mean “son of”.
What is the origin of the name Mack?
Mack has Scottish and Irish roots. Mack comes from the Gaelic prefix mac, meaning "son of," which begins many Scottish and Irish surnames.
Is Mack a popular name?
Yes. Mack ranked #463 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Mack a boy or girl name?
Mack is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Mack?
Mack is usually pronounced MAK. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings