The name Mack is believed to have originated as a nickname or diminutive form of the given name Mackenzie. Mackenzie is a Scottish surname that derives from the Gaelic name MacCoinnich, meaning "son of the fair bright one." The name Mack emerged as a shortened version of Mackenzie, particularly in English-speaking regions.

The earliest recorded use of the name Mack as a given name dates back to the late 18th century. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Mack Lesberry, an American Revolutionary War soldier who was born around 1760 in Virginia.

In the 19th century, the name Mack gained popularity in the United States. One notable figure was Mack Swain, an American vaudeville performer and silent film actor born in 1876 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Another prominent bearer was Mack Sennett, an American film producer, director, and actor, who was born in 1880 and is best known for his work in the silent film era and the creation of the Keystone Cops.

The name Mack has also been associated with several influential figures in the 20th century. Mack Gordon, an American composer and lyricist, was born in 1904 and wrote numerous popular songs for Hollywood musicals. Mack Herron, an American blues singer and guitarist better known as Champion Jack Dupree, was born in 1910 and was a influential figure in the development of blues and early rock and roll.

One of the most renowned bearers of the name Mack was Mack Robinson, an American track and field athlete who competed in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. He was born in 1914 and was the older brother of the famous baseball player Jackie Robinson. Mack Robinson won a silver medal in the 200-meter sprint event during the 1936 Olympics.

While the name Mack has its roots in Scottish culture, it has been embraced across various cultures and regions, particularly in the United States, where it has been used as a given name for centuries.