Top 1,000 Scottish Names

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

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.