Scottish Names

Aurla is a rare feminine name with Celtic origins, possibly related to the Irish name Órla or Órfhlaith, meaning 'golden princess' or 'golden lady.' It may also be connected to Latin-based names associated with 'aurum' (gold), such as Aurelia or Aurora. This uncommon name has a mystical, ethereal quality enhanced by its melodic sound. Despite its rarity in contemporary usage, Aurla carries an ancient dignity and evokes images of golden light and nobility. The name's brevity coupled with its flowing pronunciation gives it a distinctive charm that balances uniqueness with accessibility. For those seeking a name with Celtic heritage and an elegant sound, Aurla offers a beautiful and unusual choice.

Aurla

Norlene is a feminine name that appears to be a blend of the prefix 'Nor-' (possibly from Norman, Nora, or Nordic influences) and the popular feminine suffix '-lene' or '-lene' seen in names like Marlene and Darlene. It emerged in the United States primarily in the mid-20th century, reaching its modest peak of popularity between the 1930s and 1950s. Norlene has a vintage charm characteristic of names from that era while remaining distinctive due to its relative rarity. The name has a melodic quality with its two syllables and soft ending. While never extremely common, Norlene represents the trend of creative name combinations that characterized American naming practices of the mid-20th century.

Norlene

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.

Neilina

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.

Wilkie

A name with a pleasing nature meaning, a surname style, and pleasant Scottish burr. Reminiscent of Mare, Raine, and Blair, it is as yet undiscovered as a first name. 

Nairne

Highly unusual water name -- and actor Colin surname -- with a Scottish burr.  Firth derives from the Old Norse word fjord.

Firth

Musical choice that might work great in the middle. Alternative in all its forms, Fife and sister name Fifer are <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/472/scottish-names-for-girls">Scottish names for girls</a> that can make a new twist on Piper.

Fife

Now a mostly-male name, in its earliest incarnation Douglas was used equally for girls and boys and could certainly make a comeback as one of the new <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/79/boy-names-for-girls">boy names for girls"</a>.

Douglas

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.

Muireall

Nearly unknown outside the British Isles, this old Scottish variation has a sleek surname feel that can make an excellent update of the flagging Christopher.

Kester

A classic Gaelic name, but too hoary to be a hit here. 

Mórag

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 <a href="https://nameberry.com/boys-names">names for boys</a>. And why not? McArthur or Mcarthur (or the Mac version of the name) makes a perfect honorific for an ancestral Arthur and leads directly to the nicknames Mac or Art.

Mcarthur

Simple ancient name of a Celtic goddess, but her friends might sound like they were asking for more. 

Mór

Overwhelmingly feminine in the US, where parent name Mackenzie is wildly popular, but masculine in the UK, where Kenzie ranks among the Top 1000 names for baby boys.

Kenzie

Moireach is a feminine Scottish Gaelic name with deep Celtic roots. Pronounced approximately as 'MOY-rakh,' it's the original Gaelic form of the more familiar Moira or Moyra. The name derives from the Gaelic 'Màiri,' the Scottish form of Mary, ultimately from Hebrew origins meaning 'bitter,' 'beloved,' or 'drop of the sea.' In Scottish culture, Moireach carries connections to the land and heritage of the Highlands. While relatively uncommon even in Scotland, it represents a strong cultural identifier for those with Scottish ancestry. The name has never achieved widespread popularity outside Gaelic-speaking communities, but it offers an authentic Celtic option for parents seeking a name with strong cultural roots and distinctive pronunciation.

Moireach

An invention of the eighteenth-century romantic poet James Macpherson, in his epic cycle about Ossian, a legendary Celtic hero. In Poland, where it was popular at the start of the 20th century, the spelling is Malwina, and it's also had some use in other Eastern European countries.

 Fun fact: the Spanish name for the Faulkland Islands is Las Malvinas, but this derives from the French port town of St Malo, rather than from Gaelic.

Malvina

Moibeal is an extremely rare feminine name with Gaelic origins. It appears to be a variant spelling of Moibheal or possibly related to the Irish name Mobhí. The name's exact etymology is somewhat obscure but likely connects to ancient Celtic language roots. In Irish Gaelic naming traditions, Moibeal may relate to concepts of gentleness or sweetness, though definitive meanings are difficult to establish due to its rarity. The name has a melodic, flowing quality when pronounced, with its soft consonants and vowel combinations creating a musical effect. Moibeal remains exceptionally uncommon even in Ireland and Scotland, making it a truly distinctive choice. Its unusual spelling and pronunciation might present challenges outside Gaelic-speaking regions, but this also contributes to its unique character and cultural specificity.

Moibeal

Macallister as a first name is attracting new attention as the name chosen by Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer and venture capitalist Zack Bogue for their young son.  Macallister is usually heard as a patronymic surname, meaning son of Alasdair or Alistair or any one of the spellings of the Scottish form of Alexander.  Like all other names of this type, Macallister leads to the cute short form Mac.

Macallister

Iagan is a masculine name with Scottish Gaelic roots, considered a variant of the more common name Eoghan (often anglicized as Owen). The name ultimately derives from the Celtic word 'eugenos,' meaning 'well-born' or 'noble.' This spelling variation maintains the traditional Gaelic sounds while offering a distinctive appearance. Iagan remains relatively rare, even in Scotland, making it an uncommon choice that still carries authentic Celtic heritage. The name might appeal to families with Scottish ancestry looking to honor their roots with a name that's both traditional and uncommon. Its pronunciation (roughly EE-ah-gahn) gives it a melodic quality typical of Gaelic names.

Iagan

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.

Ranulph

 may be familiar outside their native land, but many retain their distinctly Scottish style. While Scottish names may relate to both Ireland via their individual versions of the Gaelic language and to England via their shared heritage in the United Kingdom.

 today evidence that blend, with English names such as Emily and Jack sharing the stage with distinctly Scottish baby names such as Isla and Finlay. If you have Scottish heritage or simply love that beautiful land, you may be interested in finding a Scottish name for your baby.


Here, our full list of Scottish boys' names and Scottish girls' names, ranked by their current popularity on Nameberry.

Scottish Names with origin and popularity, including Scottish names for boys and names from Scotland for baby girls. (Page 14)