About the MacMillan Surname

The spelling MacMillan grew out of McMillan, a Scottish surname with a long paper trail.

What does the surname MacMillan mean?

The name is usually explained as “Son of the tonsured one”. In the 2010 US Census, 5,688 Americans gave MacMillan as their last name (rank 6,041).

Is MacMillan the same name as McMillan?

MacMillan is listed among the recognised spellings of McMillan. Local scribes, dialects and emigration all left their mark on how the name was written. You may also find the name written McMillen.

Is there a MacMillan coat of arms?

Arms linked to McMillan and its spellings were granted to individual families; our heraldry team traces which line they belonged to.

Want more than a summary? See the MacMillan family name pack.