McMillan Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname McMillan come from? What does the surname McMillan mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name McMillan and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname McMillan Origin: What does the last name McMillan mean?
The surname McMillan, with variants like MacMillan and McMillan, has its origins in Scotland and is associated with the Scottish Clan MacMillan. The name is derived from the Gaelic nickname 'Mhaoillan,' meaning "son of the tonsure," which refers to the distinctive hairstyle worn by the progenitor of the clan, Gille Chriosd. This hairstyle was a symbol of his religious dedication as a Columban priest, distinguishing him from the Roman Catholic tonsure style. The name has been prominent in Scotland since the early 16th century, and YourRoots data suggests that it has spread globally, with a significant presence in the United States, Canada, Australia, and other countries by the 18th century.
According to YourRoots data, the McMillan surname has a strong historical connection to Scotland, where it first appeared in the early 16th century. As the centuries passed, the surname gained popularity and spread to various parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. Today, the McMillan surname continues to be widely recognized, with a notable presence in the United States and Scotland. The global spread of the McMillan name reflects its enduring legacy and diverse representation across different countries and cultures, highlighting its rich history and significance in the genealogical landscape.
McMillan Last Name History: Where did the last name McMillan come from?
Origin of McMillan Surname: Where does the last name McMillan originate from?
YourRoots data suggests that the surname McMillan first appeared in Scotland, part of the United Kingdom, around the early 16th century. This information is based solely on YourRoots records for the exact "McMillan" spelling and does not account for other data sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name McMillan: What does the McMillan surname history look like in the early days?
The "McMillan" surname was strongly connected to Scotland from the 16th through the 17th century, according to YourRoots data. From the 18th century, the volume of McMillan records began to rise significantly in the United States, indicating that the surname was spreading globally during this period.
Global Spread: Where can we find the McMillan surname today?
By the 19th century, the United States had surpassed Scotland in terms of the volume of records for the McMillan surname, a trend that continued into the 20th century. Today, the "McMillan" surname is prominent in the United States, with a notable presence in Scotland. The global spread of the "McMillan" surname is evident in its presence across various countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Ireland, among others.
Explore McMillan last name heritage and McMillan surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With McMillan Surame?
Tetairoa McMillan
Tetairoa McMillan (April 5, 2003 - ) known as "T-Mac," is an American football wide receiver hailing from Waimānalo, Hawaii. He gained recognition for his impressive college football career at the University of Arizona, where he set records and received numerous accolades. McMillan's standout performances on the field earned him the title of Polynesian College Football Player of the Year in 2024. With a bright future ahead, this talented athlete is poised to make waves in the world of professional football.
Nate McMillan
Nathaniel McMillan (born Aug 3, 1964) is a former American basketball player turned coach. He played his entire NBA career with the Seattle SuperSonics, earning the nickname "Mr. Sonic." McMillan is known for his defensive skills and balanced play, with four career triple-doubles. After retiring, he coached the SuperSonics, Portland Trail Blazers, Indiana Pacers, and Atlanta Hawks. McMillan led the Trail Blazers to 50 wins despite injuries and helped the Pacers make the playoffs in all his seasons. He currently serves as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers, showcasing his expertise and dedication to the game.
Frew McMillan
Frew Donald McMillan (May 20, 1942 - ) is a former professional tennis player from South Africa known for his exceptional doubles career. He won five grand slam doubles titles, including three Wimbledon championships with Bob Hewitt. McMillan was ranked No.1 in Doubles on the ATP Computer for a significant period and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1992. Beyond his tennis success, he now works as a tennis commentator for Eurosport and BBC Radio 5, sharing his expertise and passion for the sport with fans worldwide.
Hammy McMillan
Hamilton "Hammy" McMillan (born 13 Jul 1963) is a Scottish curler and world champion. He has won multiple gold medals at the European Curling Championships and represented Great Britain at the 1992 and 2002 Winter Olympics. Aside from his curling career, McMillan is the co-owner and manager of the Craignelder Hotel in Stranraer and enjoys playing golf. His son, Hammy McMillan Jr., also follows in his footsteps as a competitive curler.
Edwin McMillan
Edwin Mattison McMillan (Sep 18, 1907 – Sep 7, 1991) was an American physicist known for producing the transuranium element neptunium. He shared the 1951 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for this achievement. McMillan also worked on the Manhattan Project during World War II and co-invented the synchrotron. He served as director of the Berkeley Radiation Laboratory and made significant contributions to nuclear physics and instrumentation. His research and discoveries have had a lasting impact on the field of physics.
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