Find out how popular the last name McKithen is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named McKithen.

McKithen, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the McKithen surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of McKithen in America

McKithen is the 86314th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The McKithen surname appeared 216 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname McKithen.

We can also compare 2010 data for McKithen to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name McKithen

The surname MCKITHEN has its origins in Scotland, with roots dating back to the 16th century. It is believed to have derived from the Scottish Gaelic term "Mac Ceithin," which translates to "son of the little tawny one." This name likely referred to someone with reddish-brown hair or a ruddy complexion.

In the early days, the surname was predominantly found in the Highlands of Scotland, particularly in the regions of Argyll and the Hebrides islands. Variations in spelling, such as MCKITHIN and MCKITHYN, were common due to the oral tradition of naming and the inconsistencies in record-keeping.

One of the earliest documented references to the name MCKITHEN can be found in the "Ragman Rolls" of 1296, which recorded the names of Scottish landowners who swore allegiance to King Edward I of England. This historical record suggests that the MCKITHEN family had established themselves as landowners by the late 13th century.

In the 17th century, a notable figure bearing the MCKITHEN name was Angus MCKITHEN, a Scottish clansman who played a role in the Jacobite risings of 1715 and 1745. He fought alongside the forces of the Stuart claimants to the British throne, showcasing the family's loyalty to the cause of Scottish independence.

Another significant individual was Duncan MCKITHEN (1765-1848), a renowned Scottish architect known for his work on the design and construction of several churches and manor houses across the Highlands. His notable projects included the restoration of Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, many individuals with the surname MCKITHEN migrated from Scotland to other parts of the British Empire, including North America, Australia, and New Zealand. One such example is John MCKITHEN (1802-1876), a Scottish immigrant who settled in Nova Scotia, Canada, and became a prominent shipbuilder and merchant.

In the United States, the MCKITHEN name can be traced back to the early 19th century, with records indicating that a branch of the family settled in the Southern states, particularly in Georgia and Alabama. One notable figure was Robert MCKITHEN (1828-1912), a Confederate soldier during the American Civil War, who later became a successful farmer and landowner in Georgia.

Throughout history, the MCKITHEN surname has been associated with various professions, including farming, military service, and skilled trades. While the name may have evolved in its spelling and geographical distribution, its Scottish heritage and connection to the Highlands remain an integral part of its legacy.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name McKithen

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname McKithen.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for McKithen was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of McKithen has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

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

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

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