Origin and Meaning of Maclay

Son of the servant of the church

Origin: Scottish - The surname Maclay is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic 'MacLeòid', meaning 'son of Leòd'. Leòd is an ancient Scottish name and can sometimes be associated with 'the servant of the church' or 'the priest'.

• Maclay is associated with an ancient clan in Scotland, Clan MacLeod, which has a rich history and is one of the biggest clans in Skye and the Outer Hebrides.
• The name is primarily found in Scotland but has also spread to other English-speaking countries, such as the United States and Canada, through immigration.
• Notable bearers of the name include the Scottish author and novelist John Maclay, and the name has appeared in various literary and cultural works.
• While not extremely common, the name has seen a modest rise in popularity in the 21st century, reflecting a growing interest in unique and traditional names.
• Variations of Maclay may include MacLeod, Maclaine, and Maclaren, all of which share a similar Scottish heritage and meaning.