Find out how popular the first name Macklin has been for the last 49 years (from 1975 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Macklin by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Macklin is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 98% of people named Macklin being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 127 male babies and 7 female babies born with the name Macklin.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 7 baby girls were named Macklin in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Macklin

The name Macklin has its origins in the Gaelic language, tracing back to medieval Ireland and Scotland. It is derived from the Gaelic words "mac" meaning "son" and "linn" meaning "pool" or "lake." Thus, the name Macklin can be interpreted as "son of the pool" or "son of the lake."

In ancient Irish folklore and mythology, bodies of water such as pools and lakes held significant symbolic meaning. They were often associated with sacred sites, healing powers, and the realm of the supernatural. The name Macklin may have been bestowed upon individuals with a connection to these water sources or those born near such locations.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Macklin can be traced back to the 12th century in Ireland. It was prevalent among Irish clans and families, particularly in the provinces of Connacht and Munster. One notable figure bearing this name was Macklin Og O'Daly, a renowned Irish poet who lived in the late 16th century.

As the name spread throughout the British Isles, it also found use in Scotland, where it was sometimes spelled as "Macklin" or "MacLin." In the 17th century, a prominent Scottish figure named Charles Macklin (1690-1797) gained recognition as an actor and dramatist, best known for his portrayal of the character Shylock in Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice."

Another individual of note was John Macklin (1753-1831), an English engraver and portrait painter who was appointed as the official engraver to King George III. His works included engravings of notable figures such as Lord Nelson and William Pitt the Younger.

In the 19th century, Macklin Arbuthnot (1834-1916) was a Scottish politician and landowner who served as a Member of Parliament for Kincardineshire. He was also known for his involvement in the establishment of the Arbuthnot Museum in Peterhead, Scotland.

One of the most famous bearers of the name Macklin in the 20th century was Macklin Flatley (1905-1984), an American football player who played as a tackle for the Chicago Bears and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986.

While the name Macklin has its roots in ancient Gaelic culture and mythology, it has transcended its origins and found use across various cultures and time periods, with notable individuals leaving their mark in fields ranging from literature and arts to politics and sports.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Macklin was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Macklin, please contact us.

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