Scottish Names
- Islay
Origin:
Scottish place-nameDescription:
Islay is the name of a Hebridian island famous for its whisky. Don't be fooled by the "y" at the end - this name is pronounced exactly like the more well-known Isla.
- Aberdeen
Origin:
Scottish place-nameDescription:
Amiable, undiscovered geographic option.
- Cam
Origin:
Diminutive of Cameron, ScottishMeaning:
"crooked nose"Description:
Cameron is still more popular as a boy's name than a girls and this simple, snappy short form works well for either sex.
- Leith
Origin:
Scottish, river nameDescription:
Traditionally a male name, Leith now can make a highly unusual, strong but soft, and intriguing girls' possibility.
- Jock
Origin:
Scottish variation of JackDescription:
This is a Scottish pet form of John, the equivalent of Jack in England. Has long been used as a generic name for a Scotsman, here it's a generic name for a--well--jock.
- Adelbert
Origin:
Variation of Albert, GermanMeaning:
"noble, bright"Description:
Adelbert is a masculine name of Germanic origin combining the elements 'adal' meaning noble or aristocratic and 'beraht' meaning bright or famous. It's an antiquated form of Albert.
- Neilina
Description:
Neilina is a feminine elaboration of the masculine name Neil, which has Scottish and Irish origins derived from the Gaelic 'Niall,' potentially meaning 'champion' or 'cloud.' The addition of the feminine suffix '-ina' transforms the traditionally male name into a distinctive feminine variant, following naming patterns seen in names like Georgina or Josephina. This name remains extremely rare, likely used primarily in families with Scottish or Irish heritage who wish to honor a Neil in the family while giving a daughter a clearly feminine name. Neilina has a lyrical quality with its flowing syllables and combines Celtic heritage with a traditionally feminine ending. Despite its rarity, the name is intuitive in pronunciation and connects to the more familiar Neil tradition.
- Kelso
Origin:
Scottish place and surnameMeaning:
"chalk ridge, lime mountain"Description:
This name of a town in Scotland, one of the earliest recorded surnames in the whole British Isles, has more vitality than Kelsey. Distinctive in sound with a cool -o ending and a stylish K initial, it feels part Kayce, Kairo, and Kolson, part Carlisle, Cosmo, and Jago, with just a touch of Marlowe and Casper about it too.
- Ninian
Origin:
Scottish and Irish, meaning unknownDescription:
Ancient Irish saint's name that's unlikely, because of its similarity to "ninny," to join cousin Finian in popularity.
- Adair
Origin:
English and ScottishMeaning:
"shallow place in a river near oaks"Description:
This undiscovered unisex name has lots of flair. It was first noticed as a girl's name, starting in the 1980's, on the long-running daytime drama Search for Tomorrow, with the character Adair McCleary, who had ahead-of-their-time brothers named brothers Hogan, Cagney and Quinn. But since Adair has yet to find many takers, it would make a fresh and appealing choice.
- Muireall
Description:
Muireall is a feminine Scottish Gaelic name with ancient Celtic roots. It derives from the Gaelic elements "muir" meaning "sea" and a diminutive suffix, essentially translating to "sea-bright" or "sparkling sea." Historically used in the Scottish Highlands and Islands, Muireall represents the cultural connection to the surrounding waters that shaped Scottish life. While never extremely common, the name has survived through generations of Scottish families preserving their heritage. Today, Muireall remains a distinctive choice that carries the lyrical quality characteristic of Gaelic names. Parents choosing this name often appreciate its authentic Scottish character and melodic pronunciation (usually moor-ee-el). Though rare outside Scotland, it resonates with those seeking a name with genuine Celtic origins and maritime associations.
- Wylie
Origin:
Scottish, diminutive of WilliamMeaning:
"resolute protection"Description:
Wylie is one Celtic surname with as much appeal for girls as for boys. Wylie is ripe for spelling variations: Wiley is as appropriate as Wylie but when you spell it Wylei, as Corey Parker did for his son, you're getting into yooneek naming territory.
- Ranulph
Origin:
Scottish variation of RandolphMeaning:
"shield-wolf"Description:
An old name still occasionally heard in the U.K., but still and perhaps forever a foreigner in the U.S. Can be spelled Ranulf.
- Dickson
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"son of Dick"Description:
Dickson's nickname problem keeps it from having the upside possibility of similar names like Jackson and Harrison. If you're looking for fresh baby names to honor an ancestral Richard or Dick, consider Dixon. Or better, Richardson.
- Wylei
Origin:
Spelling variation of WylieDescription:
Wylei exists because Corey Parker decreed it so: He gave his newborn son this variation of the classic surname more conventionally spelled Wylie or Wiley. The problem with the Wylei spelling is that it makes you think the name may have a different pronunciation, with an ay versus an ee sound at the end. This is one of those creative inspirations that will make the child's life more difficult for years to come.
- Macgregor
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"son of Gregor"Description:
Interesting possibility for the son or grandson of a Gregory.
- Rona
Origin:
Scottish spelling variation of Rhona; Norwegian; HebrewMeaning:
"might; song"Description:
Rona ranked in the US Top 1000 in the mid-20th century but holds new meaning in the 2020s. "Rona" has become slang for coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, which gives the name a dark and somber edge. In 2020, Rona was given to 17 baby girls (a fall from 26 the previous year). In 2021, it dropped to just 5 — we expect it to drop off the list entirely in the years to come.
- Wilkie
Origin:
Scottish surname from a diminutive of WilliamMeaning:
"resolute protection"Description:
William was such a popular name, thanks to the Conquerer, in early England that it gave rise to a range of nicknames, including the distinctly Scottish Wilkie. Heard mostly as a surname these days, it's the middle name of Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick's son James and the first name of writer Collins. While Wilkie could make an adorable short form for a little boy, we'd recommend a more substantial full name such as, well, William.
- Mcarthur
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"son of Arthur"Description:
The Mc and Mac surnames are asserting themselves as first names and this is one of the most popular. Though outside the U.S. Top 1000, it's among the fastest rising names for boys.
- Lundy
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"grove near the island, place by the marsh"Description:
A lively and engaging Scottish surname with an outdoorsy feel, Lundy (almost) coincides with the French word for Monday.
