The surname McDonald is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic name Mac Dhomhnuill, meaning “son of Donald”. The name is believed to have originated from the early 11th century, and has since spread around the world due to Scottish migration. Famous bearers of the name include James McDonald, former CEO of Rockefeller & Co., and Michael McDonald, lead vocalist of the Doobie Brothers. Today, McDonald is one of the most common surnames in English-speaking countries.