Scottish Names

Mirren is a lively and attractive Scottish name, popular in its native country but best known outside Scotland as the surname of the English actor Dame Helen Mirren. It is thought to be a Scottish derivative of the name Marion, from Mary. Another possible origin for Mirren is as a modern spelling of a mysterious group of names that all seem to derive from the sixth century Irish saint Mirin who emigrated to Scotland and now is the patron saint of both the Glasgow suburb of Paisley and the game of football. The Cornish Merryn, best known as the name of the seacoast town St. Merryn, is also related.

Mirren

Adds some thorns to the smooth texture of Lily. 

Lileas

The 6th century Irish saint Mirin emigrated to Scotland and now is the patron saint of both the Glasgow suburb of Paisley and the game of football.  Mirren is one modern spelling; the Cornish Merryn, best known as the name of the seacoast town St. Merryn, is also related.  The name is usually used for girls. 

Mirin

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.

Wylei

Fifer is a musical name that fits in seamlessly with the likes of Harper and Piper, but is much more unusual. It's also a Scottish demonym, referring to an inhabitant of the historic Scottish county of Fife.

Fifer

Traditionally a male name, Leith now can make a highly unusual, strong but soft, and intriguing girls' possibility.


Leith

Teasagh or Teasag, which can be Anglicized as Jessie, is a Scottish form of Jean, which itself originated as a Scottish feminine form of John.  Scotswomen called Jessie are more likely to be properly named Teasagh than Jessica.

Teasagh

Ferelith is an unusual yet deeply-rooted Scottish girl's name, also found in ancient Ireland and drawn from the Gaelic Forbhlaith or Forbflaith.  While it went through a period of dormancy after the Middle Ages, there are some modern women named Ferelith, including actress Ferelith Young and Princess of Denmark Anne Ferelith Fenella Bowes-Lyon.

Ferelith

Kerr, a simple, unusual unisex middle-name choice, can be pronounced either car or kehr. 

Kerr

Best known to most as a brand of Whisky, Ballantine is a Scottish surname relating to the Celtic god Bal. It has potential as a off-the-beaten-track boys name that is still familiar.  Ballantine is the brand name of a whiskey, a beer, and a publishing imprint.

Ballantine

Anglicized form of Seònaid, the Scottish Gaelic equivalent of Janet. It has historically been quite popular in Scotland, although it hasn't ranked in the Top 100 there since 1995. 

 Shona is also, coincidentally, the name of an ethnic group who live in southern Africa, mainly Zimbabwe.

Shona

Janneth is a feminine name that represents a variation of Janet, which itself derives from the medieval diminutive of Jane. Ultimately tracing back to the Hebrew name Yochanan meaning "God is gracious," Janneth carries this beautiful sentiment while offering a distinctive spelling. The additional 'h' at the end gives the name a softer, more elaborate feel. While not among the most common names in English-speaking countries, Janneth has maintained a steady presence, particularly in Hispanic communities. The name combines elegance with a touch of uniqueness, allowing bearers to stand out while still having a recognizable, melodic name that crosses cultural boundaries.

Janneth

Ishbel is a traditional Scottish feminine name derived from the Gaelic form of Isabel or Isabella. With roots in Hebrew, its ultimate meaning connects to 'God is my oath' or 'pledged to God.' Particularly associated with the Scottish Highlands, Ishbel has maintained a cultural presence in Scotland while remaining relatively uncommon elsewhere. The name gained some recognition through Ishbel MacDonald, daughter of Britain's first Labour Prime Minister. While never ranking among top names in broader English-speaking countries, Ishbel has experienced modest usage among families with Scottish heritage or those seeking distinctive Celtic names. Its pronunciation (ISH-bel) differs slightly from Isabel, giving it a unique sound quality while maintaining historical authenticity. The name projects strength and cultural heritage with its concise, distinctive form.

Ishbel

The 6th century Irish saint Mirin emigrated to Scotland and now is the patron saint of both the Glasgow suburb of Paisley and the game of football. 

Mirren is one modern spelling; the Cornish Merryn, best known as the name of the seacoast town St. Merryn, is also related. In all its forms, one of the most classic <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/472/scottish-names-for-girls">Scottish names for girls</a>.

Iseabal is the Scottish Gaelic form of Isabel, a feminine name with Hebrew origins through Elizabeth, meaning "pledged to God" or "God is my oath." This distinctive spelling reflects the linguistic traditions of Gaelic-speaking regions of Scotland. Historically used in Highland and Island communities, Iseabal represents a connection to Scottish heritage and culture. While less common than anglicized forms like Isabella or Isabelle, Iseabal provides a direct link to Gaelic traditions. The name has experienced modest usage in Scotland over centuries, particularly in areas where Gaelic culture remains strong. For parents seeking a name with authentic Scottish connections, Iseabal offers both historical depth and cultural significance.

Iseabal

A spelling variation of Adair, a name with plenty of flair and a nature connection too. In addition, it may be a variation of Edgar or Ademar.

Adaire

Iseabail is the Scottish Gaelic form of Isabel, which ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Elizabeth (Elisheva), meaning "God is my oath" or "God's promise." This melodic name has been used in Scotland since medieval times, particularly in the Highlands and Western Isles where Gaelic culture remained strong. While less common than its anglicized counterpart Isabel, Iseabail offers a distinctive cultural connection to Scottish heritage. Pronunciation can vary slightly by region, but it typically sounds like "EES-uh-bel" or "EE-sha-byl." Though relatively rare globally, the name has seen occasional use among families seeking to honor Scottish roots or those looking for a unique variation of the more familiar Isabel.

Iseabail

Idonea is a feminine name with medieval origins, derived from the Old English word 'idoneus' meaning 'suitable' or 'appropriate.' Used rarely in the Middle Ages, particularly in England, the name carries an elegant, antiquated charm. Idonea appears in historical records from the 12th to 14th centuries before falling into obscurity. The name has a rhythmic, melodic quality with its four syllables and flowing vowel sounds. While extremely rare in modern usage, Idonea appeals to those drawn to historical names with literary qualities. Its uniqueness ensures distinctiveness while its classical roots provide cultural depth. For contemporary parents, Idonea offers a rare combination of ancient heritage, linguistic beauty, and historical significance.

Idonea

The name of a character in the once scandalous novel Valley of the Dolls now sounds a little more dated than the similar Arden.

Ardis

An Anglicization of Amhlaidh, the Scottish Gaelic form of the Scandinavian Olaf, Aulay is uniquely popular in Scotland where a recent year saw it in the Top 300, ranking alongside Kit, Greyson, Wyatt, and Douglas. It may be more recognizable outside of Scotland in its surname form: Macaulay.


Aulay

 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 15)