Find out how popular the first name Macon has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Macon by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Macon is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 86% of people named Macon being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 22 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Macon.

The history of the first name Macon

The given name Macon has its origins tracing back to the Phoenician language, which was spoken in ancient Phoenicia, located in the coastal regions of modern-day Lebanon, Syria, and Israel. The name is believed to have derived from the Phoenician word "makken," which means "to establish" or "to found."

During the classical period, the name Macon was adopted and used by the Greeks and Romans, albeit with slight variations in spelling, such as "Maccon" or "Macco." It's possible that the name was introduced to these cultures through trade and cultural exchange with the Phoenicians.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Macon can be found in the writings of the ancient Greek historian Herodotus, who lived in the 5th century BC. He mentions a Phoenician explorer named Macon who is said to have traveled to the western Mediterranean region and established settlements.

In the Middle Ages, the name Macon gained popularity among certain Christian communities, particularly in France and England. It's believed that the name's association with the concept of "founding" or "establishing" resonated with the Christian idea of building and spreading the faith.

One notable figure from this period was Macon of Antioch, a Syrian monk who lived in the 6th century AD. He is remembered for his role in establishing several monasteries in the region and his contributions to the spread of Christianity in the Byzantine Empire.

During the Renaissance period, the name Macon was particularly prevalent in Italy. One famous bearer of the name was Macon Tolosani (1495-1569), an Italian jurist and legal scholar who made significant contributions to the development of civil law.

In the 18th century, Macon appeared as a first name among the French nobility. One prominent figure was Macon de La Gervaisais (1737-1792), a French military officer who fought in the American Revolutionary War and played a role in the defense of the French West Indies.

Another notable bearer of the name was Macon Leib (1795-1868), an American entrepreneur and philanthropist from Pennsylvania. He was known for his successful business ventures and his support of educational institutions, including the establishment of the Macon Leib School in Philadelphia.

While the name Macon has its roots in ancient languages and cultures, it has been adapted and used across various regions and time periods, often carrying associations of establishment, founding, and pioneering endeavors.

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 Macon was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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