Scottish names bring to mind the wind-swept highlands of Scotland, the tartan clothes tied to Scottish identity, and the people of Scotland known for their warmth, resilience, and courage. We have curated lists of common Scottish names and meanings and Scottish baby names in honor of this culture.
Scottish Names and Meanings
Scottish names carry the storied history of Scotland and her people. Scotland is a small but mighty country, and there is much hope among the older generation that parents will continue to pass on traditional Scottish names to their children. Religion has significantly influenced Scottish names as many have religious themes – or traits such as beauty and courage. A Scottish name gives the impression that someone holds to their traditions and is proud of the country they hail from. What makes Scottish names so special is their ability to retain their unique Scottish flair despite some very traditional Scottish names not having originated in Scotland.
Scots, the indigenous language of Scotland, is the origin of many modern Scottish names. Although more native Scottish people speak English than Scots, many names retain fervent Scottish roots. The Norman and Roman invasions brought Norman and Latin names to the country, and names with other European roots have become common. Popular names like Eilidh, a Scots name meaning ‘radiant one,’ and James, a Hebrew name meaning ‘supplanter,’ exemplify these influences. We have curated lists of common Scottish and popular Scottish baby names.
Top 100 Scottish Names
Popular Scottish names often draw inspiration from the country’s rich history and Celtic heritage. This list comprises common Scottish names and meanings for males and females, blending tradition and modernity.
Female Names | Male Names |
|---|---|
| Isla – Island | Donald – Ruler of the world |
| Paisley – Church | Angus – One strength |
| Skye – Cloud, Isle of Skye | Iain – God is gracious |
| Mckenzie – Son of Kenneth | Hamish – Supplanter |
| Kennedy – Helmeted chief | Fergus – Man of vigour |
| Rory – Red king | Gregor – Vigilant, a watchman |
| Makenna – Son of Kenneth | Bruce – From the town of Bruis |
| Ainsley – One’s own meadow | Lochlan – Land of the lochs |
| Bonnie – Pretty | Douglas – Dark river |
| Monroe – Mouth of the river Roe | Duncan – Brown warrior |
| Dallas – Meadow dwelling | Alistair – Defender of the people |
| Mckinley – Son of Fhionnlaoich | Wallace – Foreigner, stranger |
| Sandy – Defender of mankind | Gordon – Great hill |
| Aberdeen – Mouth of the Don | Campbell – Crooked mouth |
| Sheena – God is gracious | Stewart – Steward |
| Catriona – Pure | Fraser – Strawberry |
| McClain – Son of Flann | Malcolm – Devotee of Saint Columba |
| Cora – Maiden | Colin – Young creature |
| Arya – Noble | Roy – Red |
| Peyton – Paege’s town | Lachlan – From the fjord-land |
| Elsie – God’s promise | Ross – Headland |
| Kylie – Beautiful | Blair – Plain, field |
| Alaina – Bright, beautiful | Robbie – Bright fame |
| Finley – White, fair | Stuart – Steward |
| Blair – Field, plain | Murray – Sea settlement |
| Payton – Paege’s town | Alasdair – Defender of the people |
| Maisie – Pearl | Torrance – From the knolls |
| Mirren – Saint Mirin | Ivor – Bow warrior |
| Kendrick – Royal ruler | Lorne – From Lorne |
| Caitriona – Pure | Rob Roy – Bright fame, red |
| Fiona – Fair, white | Cameron – Crooked nose |
| Brynn – Hill | Robert – Bright fame |
| Lennox – With many elm trees | Graham – Gravel home |
| Eileen – Light | Lyle – The island |
| Kenna – Born of fire | Bryce – Speckled |
| Jamie – Supplanter | Rory – Red king |
| Jessie – God beholds | Lewis – Famed warrior |
| Berkley – Birch tree meadow | Scott – Scotsman |
| Scottie – Scotsman | Calum – Dove |
| Paisleigh – Church | Allan – Handsome |
| Rae – Female sheep | Ivar – Bow warrior |
| Ciara – Black | Macaulay – Son of Olaf |
| Lesly – Garden of holly | Leith – Broad river |
| Heather – Heath plant | Arran – Island pebble |
| Carson – Son of marsh dwellers | Munro – Man from the River Roe |
| Sterling – Eastern land | Donal – World ruler |
| Laine – Path, roadway | Jack – God is gracious |
| Lindsay – Linden trees near the water | Logan – Little hollow |
| Maura – Bitter, dark-skinned | Ian – God is gracious |
| Nell – Bright, shining one | Jameson – Son of James |
| Elsy – God’s promise | Carson – Son of the marsh-dwellers |
| Moira – Bitter, dark-skinned | Finn – Fair, white |
| Greer – Watchful, vigilant | Gavin – White hawk |
| Maizy – Pearl | Grant – Great |
| Caitlin – Pure | Tristan – Tumult |
| Camdyn – Winding valley | Lennox – With many elm trees |
| Evan – God is gracious | Callum – Dove |
| Tate – Cheerful | Dallas – Dwells by the waterfall |
| Ronnie – Powerful, mighty | Kenneth – Handsome |
| Leana – Clearing | Archie – Truly brave |
| Bryce – Speckled | Kyle – Narrow |
| Darby – Free from envy | Mack – Son of |
| Ramsey – Wild garlic island | Jamie – Supplanter |
| Kamdyn – Winding valley | Keith – Wood |
| Nessa – Pure | Flynn – Son of the red-haired one |
| Maxwell – Great stream | Truett – TRUE |
| Lesley – Garden of holly | Neil – Cloud |
| Jameson – Son of James | Ben – Mountain, hill |
| Kameron – Crooked nose | Hugh – Heart, mind, spirit |
| Lenny – Torch, bright light | Brodie – Muddy place |
| Lorna – Laurel, lonely | Trent – Gushing waters |
| Scotlynn – Scotsman and lake | Mac – Son of |
| Wiley – Tricky | Torin – Chief |
| Dempsey – Proud | Ewan – Youth |
| Blaine – Thin, slender | Wylie – Tricky |
| Crosby – Village with crosses | Shaun – God is gracious |
| Flynn – Son of the red-haired man | Boyd – Yellow |
| Kyle – Narrows, channel, strait | Kaeden – Fighter |
| Cory – Hollow | Allister – Defender of men |
| Rosslyn – Little red head, promontory | Hamilton – Treeless hill |
| Blayne – Yellow | Finnan – Fair |
| Tory – Outlaw, brigand | Finlay – Fair warrior |
| Adair – Ford of the oaks | Thane – Landowner |
| Elspeth – My God is abundance | Tavish – Twin |
| Dallis – From the valley meadows | Oban – Little bay |
| Peggy – Pearl | Abercrombie – Mouth of the river |
| Finn – White, fair | Napier – New city |
| Eilidh – Sun ray, shining one | Tam – Twin |
| Sinclair – Clear, bright, famous | Lockie – From the land of the lochs |
| Brodie – Ditch | Glenross – Valley of the roses |
| Vaila – Foreign beauty | Jock – God is gracious |
| Bonnibelle – Pretty and beautiful | Kerr – Rough, wet ground |
| Kendrix – Royal ruler | Paisley – Church |
| Lyle – Island | Alpin – White |
| Torrey – Tower | Irvine – Green water |
| Truett – Small, true | Gordan – Great hill |
| Carlyle – Protected tower | Dougie – Dark river |
| Tam – Twin | Dundee – Fort of the fire |
| Kirsty – Christian | Fyfe – From Fifeshire |
| Lochlyn – Land of lakes | Livingstone – Levin’s town |
Unique Scottish Names
One of the best ways to celebrate Scotland’s uniqueness is by using one of these Scottish names. These names blend Gaelic and Celtic influences, reflecting the country’s vibrant cultural heritage.
Female Names | Male Names |
|---|---|
| Afton – From the Afton river | Ainsley – One’s own meadow |
| Aftyn – From the Afton river | Alastair – Defender of the people |
| Ailish – Noble, kind | Archibald – Genuine and bold |
| Ansley – One’s own meadow | Argyll – From Argyllshire |
| Avery – Ruler of the elves | Barclay – Birch tree meadow |
| Blake – Fair-haired, dark | Baxter – Baker |
| Blayre – Field, plain | Blaine – Thin, lean |
| Bonnibel – Pretty, good | Blane – Thin, lean |
| Brice – Speckled | Blayne – Thin, lean |
| Brodi – Ditch | Bowie – Yellow-haired |
| Bryson – Son of Brice | Bridges – Dweller by the bridge |
| Caelan – Powerful warrior, child | Brycen – Speckled |
| Camden – Winding valley | Bryson – Son of Brice |
| Cameron – Crooked nose | Cairn – Mound of stones |
| Cammy – Crooked nose | Calan – Stream |
| Campbell – Crooked mouth | Calen – Stream |
| Camryn – Crooked nose | Callen – Rock |
| Carsen – Son of Carr | Cam – Crooked nose |
| Corinna – Maiden | Camden – Winding valley |
| Darcy – Dark | Camron – Crooked nose |
| Davianna – Beloved, Grace and Favour | Carnegie – Fort at the gap |
| Davina – Beloved | Clyde – Warm |
| Davinia – Beloved | Connery – Hunter, warrior |
| Edina – Rich, fortunate | Coulter – Back of a horse, colt-herder |
| Ellis – Benevolent | Creighton – Border place |
| Elsbeth – God is my oath | Crosby – Villages with crosses |
| Fergie – Man of vigor | Danny – God is my judge |
| Findlay – Fair-haired hero | Davin – Beloved |
| Finlay – Fair-haired hero | Dempsey – Proud |
| Finola – Fair shoulders | Derek – People’s ruler |
| Fletcher – Arrow-maker | Dougal – Dark stranger |
| Fyfe – From Fifeshire | Dougall – Dark stranger |
| Gordana – Spacious fort | Duff – Dark |
| Islay – Island | Dunn – Brown |
| Jaime – Supplanter | Edan – Fire |
| Janeth – God is gracious | Euan – Born of yew |
| Janett – God is gracious | Evan – Young warrior |
| Janette – God is gracious | Ferguson – Son of Fergus |
| Jordy – Flowing down | Fife – From Fifeshire |
| Kade – Round, lumpy | Fletcher – Arrow-maker |
| Kamrynn – Crooked nose | Gaven – White hawk |
| Kathleen – Pure | Gillespie – Servant of the bishop |
| Katriona – Pure | Glen – Valley |
| Kaysen – Son of the fighter | Kael – Mighty warrior |
| Kenzi – The fair one | Kalan – Stream |
| Kenzie – The fair one | Kamron – Crooked nose |
| Kinzie – Fair | Kaysen – Son of the fighter |
| Kirsten – Christian | Kendrew – Manly and strong |
| Kylo – Sky | Kendric – Royal chieftain |
| Lainey – Bright light | Knox – Round-top hill |
| Logan – Small hollow | Kylo – Narrow |
| Louisa – Renowned warrior | Kyrell – Dark-haired |
| Mackenzie – Son of Kenneth | Laith – Lion |
| Macklin – Son of | Laurie – Laurel |
| Maizey – Pearl | Macallan – Son of Allan |
| Makenzie – Son of Kenneth | Macsen – Greatest |
| Margery – Pearl | Magnus – Great |
| Montgomery – Mountain belonging to the ruler | Maxwell – Great stream |
| Myra – Myrrh | Montgomery – From the rich man’s mountain |
| Napier – Newly married man | Monty – From the wealthy man’s mountain |
| Orlaith – Golden princess | Morrison – Son of Morris |
| Paislee – Church | Mungo – Most dear one |
| Piper – Pipe player | Murdoch – Seaman, mariner |
| Roberta – Famed, bright, shining | Murdock – Seaman, mariner |
| Rona – Mighty power | Peyton – Fighting-man’s estate |
| Rosse – Headland | Quinn – Counsel |
| Scotty – Scotsman | Ramsay – Garlic island |
| Shauna – God is gracious | Ritchie – Old ruler, king |
| Shetland – From the Shetland Islands | Ruairi – Red king |
| Sima – Boundary, limit | Sandy – Defender of men |
| Skyelynn – Combination of Skye and Lynn | Scottie – From Scotland |
| Torrance – From the low hills | Skye – Adventurous and protective |
| Vevina – Sweet lady | Tate – Cheerful |
| Wylie – Crafty | Tavis – Twin |
| Yvaine – Evening star | Terence – Tender, good gracious |
| Yvonne – Yew wood | Wiley – Tricky, beguiling |
Cute Scottish Names
Check out this list of cute Scottish names for a name that mimics the cuteness of Scotland’s lambs. These names have a charm of their own and embody the spirit and essence of Scotland.
Female Names | Male Names |
|---|---|
| Adaira – From the oak tree ford | Alec – Defender of men |
| Addison – Son of Adam | Andy – Manly |
| Addisyn – Son of Adam | Arty – Bear, rock |
| Aila – From the strong place | Ballantine – Settler, tenant |
| Annabel – Loving | Bennie – Blessed |
| Beth – God is my oath | Braden – Salmon |
| Blaire – Field, plain | Brewster – Brewer |
| Blythe – Happy, joyous | Brice – Speckled |
| Bonny – Pretty, charming | Brodee – Ditch |
| Cailin – Girl | Bryceton – Son of Brice |
| Cairns – Piles of stones | Brysen – Son of Brice |
| Cait – Pure | Burns – From the brook |
| Cami – Crooked nose | Cadyn – Spirit of battle |
| Cassidy – Clever | Caley – Slender |
| Catrina – Pure | Camdon – Winding valley |
| Christie – Christian | Camren – Crooked nose |
| Christy – Christian | Cason – Son of the marsh-dwellers |
| Connolly – Fierce as a hound | Coby – Supplanter |
| Dee – Dark | Connolly – Valiant |
| Dione – Divine | Cory – Hollow |
| Dundee – Fort on the River Tay | Curran – Hero |
| Elara – Name of one of Zeus’s lovers | Dallis – From the dales, the valley meadows |
| Ever – Always | Donny – World ruler |
| Fergusina – Man of vigor | Doug – Black water |
| Fifer – From Fife | Drew – Manly |
| Gracie – Grace | Dunne – Brown |
| Grear – Watchful, vigilant | Elder – From the elder tree |
| Innes – Island | Elliot – With strength and right |
| Iseabail – God is my oath | Ervin – Friend of the sea |
| Jaimie – Supplanter | Fenwick – Marsh farm |
| Jemma – Gem | Fergie – Man of vigor |
| Kamryn – Crooked nose | Findlay – Fair-haired hero |
| Kara – Friend | Finley – Fair-haired hero |
| Katie – Pure | Firth – Woodland |
| Keeley – Slender | Frazer – Strawberry |
| Kellie – War, strife | Gilchrist – Christ’s servant |
| Kelpie – Heifer | Gordie – Spacious fort |
| Kelty – From the ridge | Gus – One choice |
| Kenzy – The fair one | Hall – From the manor |
| Kirkcaldy – Place of the hard fort | Henderson – Son of Henry |
| Kirstie – Christian | Herbert – Bright army |
| Kynlee – King’s meadow | Herbie – Bright army |
| Lassie – Young girl | Hewie – Heart |
| Lauren – Laurel | Jaime – Supplanter |
| Laurie – Laurel | Jaimie – Supplanter |
| Lila – Lilac tree | Jordy – Farmer |
| Lileas – Lily | Jorrie – Farmer |
| Lindsey – Linden trees near the water | Kelso – Place of the kestrels |
| Lundy – Grove | Kennedy – Ugly head |
| Maggie – Pearl | Kenny – Handsome |
| Mairi – Bitter, wished-for child | Kidd – Kid, young goat |
| Maisey – Pearl | Kincaid – Battle leader |
| Maisy – Pearl | Lenny – Cloak, cape |
| Mazie – Pearl | Macintosh – Son of the thane |
| Mhairi – Bitter, wished-for child | MacLeod – Son of Leod |
| Minnie – Of the sea, bitter | Macpherson – Son of the parson |
| Montrose – Promontory | Mckenzie – Son of Kenneth |
| Morven – Big gap | Monroe – Mouth of the Roe river |
| Munroe – Mouth of the river roe | Murdoc – Seaman, mariner |
| Ness – From the headland | Ness – Promontory |
| Nessie – From the headland | Parlan – Farmer |
| Nicol – People of victory | Payton – Fighting-man’s estate |
| Orkney – Seal island | Rabbie – Bright fame |
| Paige – Page to a lord | Ramsey – Garlic island |
| Peigi – Pearl | Ranulph – Wolf’s shield |
| Perth – Bush thicket | Reed – Red-haired |
| Selkie – Seal | Scotty – From Scotland |
| Seona – God is gracious | Torrie – From the knolls |
| Tessa – Harvester | Tory – From the knolls |
| Torrie – From the low hills | Troon – Nose |
Old Scottish Names
This list of old Scottish names honors this fascinating region’s ancient and pre-modern history. These names have been passed down through generations, preserving a connection to Scotland’s ancient roots.
Female Names | Male Names |
|---|---|
| Agatha – Good | Aengus – One choice |
| Ailsa – Elf victory | Alan – Rock |
| Alastriona – Defender of mankind | Alaster – Defender of the people |
| Allison – Son of the noble one | Alister – Defender of the people |
| Alyth – Ascending, rising | Andrew – Manly |
| Annag – Grace, favor | Aulay – Ancestor’s relic |
| Beathag – Life | Banquo – White |
| Bessie – God is my oath | Bran – Raven |
| Caoimhe – Gentle, beautiful, precious | Broden – Ditch |
| Ceilidh – Gathering, celebration | Broderick – Brother |
| Davida – Beloved | Caelan – Slender |
| Davonna – Beloved | Carlton – Peasants’ town |
| Deoiridh – Pilgrim | Chaim – Life |
| Donella – World mighty | Chisholm – From Chisholm |
| Ealasaid – God is my oath | Collin – Youth |
| Edan – Fire | Craig – From the rocks |
| Eithne – Kernel | Crayton – Border town |
| Elspie – God is my oath | Dallin – Blind |
| Enya – Kernel | Darron – Great |
| Eufemia – Well-spoken | Darrow – Oak tree |
| Faye – Fairy | Davy – Beloved |
| Fionnghal – White, fair | Don – World ruler |
| Gail – Stranger | Donalbain – Brown-haired fighter |
| Geordie – Farmer | Durell – King’s doorkeeper |
| Gilleabart – Bright pledge | Ean – God is gracious |
| Glenna – From the glen | Eann – God is gracious |
| Glenys – From the glen | Edin – Fortunate |
| Gormelia – Illustrious lady | Eion – God is gracious |
| Gormlaith – Illustrious lady | Eoghan – Born of yew |
| Grizel – Gray battle-maid | Eoin – God is gracious |
| Grizelda – Gray battle-maid | Eon – God is gracious |
| Hazel – The hazel tree | Errol – Earl, nobleman |
| Islaith – Vision, dream | Erwin – Friend of the sea |
| Isobelina – God is my oath | Gavyn – White hawk |
| Janet – God is gracious | Gil – Servant of St. Giles |
| Janetta – God is gracious | Gilbert – Bright pledge |
| Jannet – God is gracious | Gilmer – Hostage |
| Janneth – God is gracious | Glendon – From the dark glen |
| Jeannie – God is gracious | Godfrey – Peace of God |
| Kirsteen – Christian | Gowan – Smith |
| Lachina – From the loch | Graeme – Gravelly homestead |
| Laura – Laurel | Grier – Alert, watchful |
| Leslie – Garden of holly | Irving – Green river |
| Lillian – Lily | Kamryn – Crooked nose |
| Marsaili – Pearl | Ken – Handsome |
| Moina – Beloved | Kennon – Born of fire |
| Morag – Great | Kenrick – Royal ruler |
| Moragana – Great | Les – Holly garden |
| Muireall – Bright sea | Macduff – Son of the black man |
| Muirne – Beloved | MacKinnon – Son of the fair born |
| Muriel – Bright sea | Mak – Who is like God? |
| Nellie – Shining light | McKinley – Son of the learned ruler |
| Rachel – Ewe | Neven – Little saint |
| Ragnhild – Advising in battle | Norris – From the north |
| Rebecca – To bind | Ranulf – Raven wolf |
| Rhona – Rough island | Ray – Regal |
| Roisin – Little rose | Redd – Red-headed |
| Ros – Rose | Ron – Ruler’s counselor |
| Roslin – Little red one | Rona – Rough island |
| Seonaid – God is gracious | Ronald – Ruler’s counselor |
| Shona – God is gracious | Ronnie – Ruler’s counselor |
| Sileas – Youthful | Sutherland – From the south land |
| Sine – God is gracious | Toren – Chief |
| Tomasina – Twin | Torrence – From the knolls |
| Victoria – Victorious | Urquhart – On the promontory |
| Wendy – Friend, blessed ring | Wally – Stranger |
| Wilma – Resolute protection | Watson – Son of Walter |
Pretty Scottish Names
We hand-picked this list of the prettiest Scottish names that emulate the wonder of Scotland’s hills and castles. From ethereal names to names with Celtic charm, there is a wide array of choices for those seeking a pretty Scottish name.
Female Names | Male Names |
|---|---|
| Andy – Manly, brave | Aaran – Mountain of strength |
| Cailyn – Pure | Adair – Oak tree ford |
| Cara – Friend | Aleck – Defender of men |
| Carys – Love | Aran – Mountain of strength |
| Christine – Christian | Archy – Genuine, bold |
| Crystal – Clear, bright | Berkley – Birch tree meadow |
| Daviana – Beloved | Blaire – Plain, field |
| Davine – Beloved | Brodey – Ditch |
| Delilah – Delicate | Brodrick – Brother |
| Devina – Beloved | Bryston – Son of Brice |
| Dolina – World ruler | Buchanan – House of the canon’s servant |
| Donaldina – World ruler | Calhoun – From the narrow forest |
| Edin – Edinburgh | Camdyn – Winding valley |
| Eilean – Island | Cameren – Crooked nose |
| Elisa – God is my oath | Camryn – Crooked nose |
| Eliza – God is my oath | Carmichael – Friend of Saint Michael |
| Evanna – God is gracious | Carsen – Son of the marsh dwellers |
| Everley – Boar meadow | Coburn – From the winding brook |
| Fae – Fairy | Donaldo – World leader |
| Farah – Joy | Donell – World leader |
| Finella – White, fair | Dune – Dark, brown |
| Fionnuala – Fair shoulders | Even – God is gracious |
| Fyfa – Peaceful ruler | Ewen – Born of the yew tree |
| Gabriela – God is my strength | Frasier – Strawberry |
| Gardenia – Garden’s flower | Frazier – Strawberry |
| Gavina – White hawk | Gavan – White hawk |
| Ginevra – White wave | Greer – Alert, watchful |
| Grier – Watchful, vigilant | Henson – Son of Henry |
| Hailey – Hay clearing | Irvin – Green water |
| Haleigh – Hay clearing | Johnston – John’s town |
| Innis – Island | Kamdon – Winding valley |
| Jaine – God is gracious | Kameren – Crooked nose |
| Jannette – God is gracious | Kamerin – Crooked nose |
| Jonina – God is gracious | Kendrik – Royal ruler |
| Karson – Son of the marsh-dwellers | Kennan – Ancient |
| Karsyn – Son of the marsh-dwellers | Laine – Path, roadway |
| Katrina – Pure | Lauchlan – From the land of lakes |
| Kirstee – Christian | Laydon – From the meadow town |
| Kirsti – Christian | Leslie – Holly garden |
| Kirstin – Christian | Lochlyn – Land of lakes |
| Kristin – Christian | MacAlister – Son of Alister |
| Leah – Weary | Macklen – Son of Flann |
| Leith – Broad river | MacLean – Son of the servant of Saint John |
| Lexi – Defender of mankind | Macrae – Son of grace |
| Lilah – Night | McAllister – Son of Alister |
| Lilias – Lily | McArthur – Son of Arthur |
| Liosa – God’s promise | McClain – Son of the servant of Saint John |
| Livingston – Leof’s town | McKay – Son of Aodh |
| Machara – Plain, field | Rae – Female deer |
| Marci – Warlike | Taveon – Twin |
| Marla – From the high tower | Tavin – Twin |
| Maysie – Pearl | Tavio – Eighth |
| Megan – Pearl | Tavion – Eighth |
| Osla – God consecrated | Tavon – Twin |
| Sabrina – From the River Severn | Taye – Tea field |
| Sorley – Summer traveler | Tevin – Beautiful at birth |
| Talia – Dew from God | Thayne – Landholder |
| Tayla – Tailor | Torey – From the knolls |
| Viona – Fair, white | Torion – Watchtower |
| Vivienne – Life | Torrey – From the knolls |
| Willa – Resolute protection | Torry – From the knolls |
| Yasmin – Jasmine flower | Tyree – Island dweller |
Cool Scottish Name
Our list of cool Scottish names brings to mind the warriors and heroes of Scotland’s storied past. From names inspired by Scottish clans and warriors to contemporary names with a modern twist, cool Scottish names offer a fusion of tradition and individuality.
Female Names | Male Names |
|---|---|
| Ayr – Short | Aberdeen – Mouth of the Don |
| Bowie – Yellow haired | Balfour – Village pasture |
| Bree – Strength, exalted one | Banner – Flag bearer |
| Cady – Pure | Bram – Bramble, a thicket of wild gorse |
| Cadyn – Spirit of Battle | Broc – Badger |
| Caledonia – From Scotland | Brodi – Ditch |
| Calen – Slender | Calder – Stream |
| Calynn – Girl, pure | Camrin – Crooked nose |
| Cameran – Crooked nose | Carlyle – Protected hill |
| Cameryn – Crooked nose | Davidson – Son of David |
| Drew – Manly | Dixon – Son of Dick |
| Dulcie – Sweet | Elgin – High-minded; little Ireland |
| Ensley – One’s own meadow | Ever – Strong as a boar |
| Farrah – Beautiful, pleasant | Forbes – Field |
| Hadleigh – Heather field | Gunn – White |
| Harley – Hare’s meadow | Jamieson – Son of James |
| Indigo – Indian dye | Johnson – Son of John |
| Kai – Rejoice | Kade – From the wetlands |
| Kamden – Winding valley | Kam – Lord |
| Kamren – Crooked nose | Kamden – Winding valley |
| Kelso – Place of the kestrels | Kamdyn – Winding valley |
| Knox – Round-top hill | Kameron – Crooked nose |
| Lachlan – From the land of lakes | Karson – Son of the marsh-dwellers |
| Lark – Songbird | Karsyn – Son of the marsh-dwellers |
| Lennon – Small cloak, cape | Kason – Son of the marsh-dwellers |
| Leo – Lion | Kendrick – Royal ruler |
| Lexie – Defender of mankind | Kendrix – Royal ruler |
| Leya – The law | Kirk – Church |
| Lochlan – From the land of lakes | Knoxx – Round-top hill |
| Lockie – From the land of lakes | Laird – Landowner |
| Mac – Son of | Lamont – Lawyer |
| Mackenzy – Son of Kenneth | Macallister – Son of Alister |
| Mackinley – Son of the learned ruler | MacArthur – Son of Arthur |
| McKay – Son of fire | Mackay – Son of fire |
| Mckenna – Son of Cionaodh | Mackenzie – Son of the fair one |
| Morrison – Son of Morris | Mackie – Son of |
| Pixie – Fairy | Mackinley – Son of the learned ruler |
| Ray – Ewe | Macklin – Son of |
| Reed – Red | Malcom – Disciple of Saint Columba |
| Reem – Gazelle | Mccauley – Relic of the ancients |
| Sage – Wise one | McGregor – Son of the angry one |
| Saylor – Dancer, leaper | McKade – Son of Cade |
| Scota – Scotswoman | Mitch – Who is like God? |
| Sky – Sky | Mitchel – Who is like God? |
| Skyla – Scholar | Mitchell – Who is like God? |
| Skyler – Scholar | Patton – Warrior’s town |
| Star – Star | Renton – Settlement of roe deer |
| Stirling – From Stirling | Scot – Scottish man |
| Stormi – Impetuous nature | Shaw – Wood |
| Thistle – Thistle | Sinclair – Prayer, supplication |
| Vanora – White wave | Sterling – Little star |
| Vayda – Ruler | Stirling – From Stirling |
Rare Scottish Names
We found these rare Scottish names in Scotland’s most obscure records and writings. These names have deep historical roots or are derived from the Gaelic language, reflecting Scotland’s long and storied history.
Female Names | Male Names |
|---|---|
| Ailie – Light | Alby – Bright |
| Aisla – Dream | Baird – Bard, Poet |
| Alastrina – Defender of mankind | Bayne – Fair-skinned |
| Alethia – Truth | Beathan – Life |
| Alpin – White | Blanton – From the town with the bell |
| Anice – Grace | Brown – Brown |
| Annora – Honor | Cairns – Pile of stones |
| Ardbeg – Small height | Col – Young creature, pup |
| Ardis – Eager | Cormag – Raven |
| Arwyn – Muse | Daibhidh – Beloved |
| Athdara – From the oak tree ford | Dickenson – Son of Dick |
| Beileag – A pet form of Isabella | Dickson – Son of Dick |
| Bethoc – God’s promise | Drummond – Ridge |
| Branwen – Beautiful raven | Dugald – Dark stranger |
| Breda – Exalted one | Dunc – Short form of Duncan, meaning Brown warrior |
| Brighde – Strength | Eachann – Horse brown |
| Cadha – From the steep place | Eachthighearn – Horse lord |
| Cailean – Girl | Eallair – Leader |
| Callan – Rock | Eimhir – Swift |
| Catrìona – Pure | Erskin – Upon the knife, high cliff |
| Chrystal – Crystal, Ice | Erskine – Upon the knife, high cliff |
| Ciorstaidh – Follower of Christ | Ervine – Green water |
| Davia – Beloved | Farquhar – Very dear |
| Deòiridh – Pilgrim | Gilleasbaig – Bishop’s servant |
| Diorbhal – Proud | Gilleasbuig – Bishop’s servant |
| Donalda – World ruler | Gilroy – Servant of the red-haired one |
| Donaldette – World ruler | Giric – Greedy |
| Donaline – World ruler | Gorden – Spacious fort |
| Donia – World ruler | Guthrie – Windy spot |
| Dunira – Fortress of the yew tree | Iagan – Little fiery one |
| Ealasa – God is my oath | Innes – Island |
| Eara – From the east | Irv – Short form of Irvine, meaning green water |
| Eilis – God is my oath | Jarvie – Servant of Saint Gervaise |
| Eimhir – Swift | Kadon – Battle |
| Eirlys – Snowdrop | Kamren – Crooked nose |
| Eisla – Dream | Kamrin – Crooked nose |
| Elspet – God is my oath | Kenna – Born of fire |
| Euna – Lamb | Kilbride – Church of Saint Brigit |
| Fenella – White shoulder | Kyel – Narrow |
| Garia – Short | Ludo – Light |
| Gelis – Hostage | Lyall – Loyal |
| Goraid – Peace | Lydell – Loyal |
| Kaileen – Pure | Macdougal – Son of Dougal |
| Kellina – Slender | MacDowell – Son of Dougal |
| Kendric – Royal power | Macgregor – Son of Gregor |
| Leann – Graceful willow | Manson – Son of Magnus |
| Leslee – Garden of holly | McAlister – Son of Alister |
| Lesli – Garden of holly | McAlpine – Son of the fair one |
| Lilidh – Lily | McDougal – Son of Dougal |
| Macpherson – Son of the parson | McGee – Son of Aodh |
| Maesie – Pearl | Murdo – Sea warrior |
| Maezie – Pearl | Nairn – River with alder trees |
| Mairghread – Pearl | Nairne – River with alder trees |
| Mairin – Star of the sea | Neilan – Champion |
| Makiya – Who is like God? | Niven – Little saint |
| Malina – Yellow as honey | Ogilvie – High hill |
| Malmuira – Bright sea | Raibeart – Bright fame |
| Mikenzie – Son of Kenneth | Robertson – Son of Robert |
| Nairna – The dweller by the alder tree | Rodric – Famous power |
| Nandag – Grace | Ruairidh – Red king |
| Neas – Pure | Ruaridh – Red king |
| Nuala – White shoulder | Sawney – Defender of mankind |
| Raghnaid – Choice | Seumas – Supplanter |
| Rosalba – White rose | Sholto – Propagator |
| Ruaridh – Red king | Sorley – Summer sailor |
| Sawney – Defender of mankind | Stornoway – Steering bay |
| Scathach – Shadowy | Struan – Stream |
| Senga – One and only | Tamhas – Twin |
| Seonag – God is gracious | Torcall – Thor’s cauldron |
| Teasag – God is gracious | Tormod – Thor’s mind |
| Ùisdean – Highest choice | Uilleam – Will helmet |
| Weir – From the alder tree | Uisdean – Mind force |
More Lists:
Names of Famous Scots Men and Women
Robert Burns was one of Scotland’s greatest writers and is considered the national poet of Scotland. Burns wrote many of his poems in a Scots dialect, and they have retained their international popularity through the centuries. The name Robert is of Germanic origin and means ‘fame-bright.’
David Livingstone was a missionary and physician whose death while researching and ministering in Zambia made him a legendary Protestant figure. He was driven by his abolitionist ideology and his desire to find the source of the Nile River, believing it would help him end slavery. David is a Scottish name of Hebrew origin, meaning ‘beloved.’
Alexander Fleming, a microbiologist and physician, was a brilliant researcher whose work saved millions of lives. His research of the Penicillium rubens mold led to the creation of penicillin, and for this, he received a Nobel Prize, knighthood, and heroic status. The name Alexander is of Latin origin and aptly means ‘defender of men.’
Andrew ‘Andy’ Murray is among the world’s top-ranked tennis players. His wins and championships are extensive, including two Olympic Gold Medals and millions of dollars in prize money. Andrew is a Scottish name from a Greek word that means ‘strong’ and ‘manly.’
Karen Gillan is an internationally acclaimed actress known for performing in the hit television series Doctor Who and the Guardians of the Galaxy films. Her work has earned her several awards, including a National Television and Empire Award. The name Karen comes from the Greek name meaning ‘pure.’
References
Information from the National Records of Scotland (NRS) which collects, analyses, and publishes information on Scottish names was partially used in the collection of this data. If you are interested in learning more about Scottish names the BBC wrote an article on Scottish baby names which may be of interest for parents-to-be, as well as information regarding illegal Scottish baby names.
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