How common is the McElwain surname?

There are approximately 1,500 people with the surname McElwain in the United States.

Are there McElwain soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 100 soldiers with the McElwain surname appear in Civil War records.

McElwain

Q: What does the surname McElwain mean?

The surname McElwain means "Son of Elwain, possibly from a Gaelic personal name or a variant of a Welsh name.". It is of Scottish origin.

Patronymic

Meaning

Son of Elwain, possibly from a Gaelic personal name or a variant of a Welsh name.

Etymology

The 'Mc' prefix indicates 'son of' in Gaelic. Elwain may derive from Gaelic or Welsh elements, though the exact origin is uncertain. The surname appears in Scottish records, particularly in the southwest.

About the McElwain Surname

An obscure Scottish patronymic surname of uncertain ultimate origin. The name remains relatively rare and localized to southwestern Scotland.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 1,500 bearers in the United States #3,210 most common surname

Rare Common

Scotland, particularly the southwest, with some presence in North America.

McElwain Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

People with the McElwain Surname

Charles McElwain

Quick Facts

Origin: Scottish
Classification: Patronymic
Earliest Record: 17th century
Estimated Bearers: 1,500

War Records

100 soldiers with the McElwain surname found in Civil War records.

Search war records →