name
Uncommon
McCain
muh-KAYN
McCain (name) means an Irish surname meaning "son of Cathan.". Example: “John McCain was a long-serving U.S. senator.”
name
1
An Irish surname meaning "son of Cathan."
"John McCain was a long-serving U.S. senator."
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Word forms
- Plural
- McCains
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
John _____ was a long-serving U.S. senator.
Etymology
Comes from the Irish variant of McKean.
Rhymes for McCain
See all rhymes for McCain →Frequently asked questions
What does “McCain” mean?
The word “McCain” means an Irish surname meaning "son of Cathan.".
How do you pronounce “McCain”?
“McCain” is pronounced muh-KAYN (/məˈkeɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “McCain” in a sentence?
Here is “McCain” used in a sentence: “John McCain was a long-serving U.S. senator.”
What part of speech is “McCain”?
“McCain” is a name.
Is “McCain” a common word?
“McCain” is an uncommon word in modern English.
Is McCain Irish or Scottish?
McCain is identified as an Irish surname, though names beginning with "Mc" are common to both Irish and Scottish naming traditions. The "Mc" prefix in both cultures functions the same way, meaning "son of."
Why does McCain have a capital C in the middle?
The internal capital letter follows the standard convention for Irish and Scottish surnames beginning with "Mc" or "Mac," where the letter immediately after the prefix is capitalized. This distinguishes the prefix from the root of the name, as in McCain.
