With many British names invading the Yankee name pool, the sophisticated Alistair could and should be part of the next wave. It debuted in the US Top 1000 in 2016. You have a triple choice with this name--the British spell it Alistair or Alastair, while the Scots prefer Alasdair--but they're all suave Gaelic versions of Alexander. Adopted by the lowland Scots by the seventeenth century, the name didn't become popular outside Scotland and Ireland until the twentieth century.

Angus is a traditional yet stylish choice in the UK, especially in Scotland. And it's a cool choice for US parents too, particularly those whose roots go back to Glasgow. The ancient Celtic form Oenghus has important historical overtones in Scotland, and the Gaelic form Aonghas is associated with two distinguished modern poets. In Irish folklore, Angus Og is a chieftain-lord who used his magical powers for the pleasure and prosperity of mankind--and in Irish myth, Aonghus was the god of love and youth.

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.

In this country, more recognizable with the Alistair spelling.

Loch is a watery word that sounds more like a name because it's one step removed from its English form. Pronounced as "lock," it's also a short form of the variously-spelled Lachlan.

This unusual Scottish surname was made immortal by Michael Faraday, a British scientist who contributed to the fields of electromagnetism and electrochemistry. His name is now a unit of scientific measurement for electricity - a 'power'ful name for any little boy.

Bhaltair is a masculine name representing the Scottish Gaelic form of Walter. With Celtic origins, this uncommon name carries the same Germanic roots as Walter, derived from 'wald' (rule) and 'hari' (army), meaning 'ruler of the army' or 'powerful warrior.' The distinctive spelling with 'Bh' reflects Scottish Gaelic phonology, where this combination creates a 'v' sound. Primarily found in Scottish Highland and Gaelic-speaking communities, Bhaltair connects its bearer to Celtic heritage and Scottish cultural traditions. While rare even within Scotland, the name offers parents seeking authentic Gaelic names a strong option with historical depth. The pronunciation (roughly 'VAHL-ter') might present challenges outside Gaelic-speaking regions, but its uniqueness and cultural significance make it an intriguing choice for those with Scottish ancestry or appreciation for Celtic naming traditions.

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.

Ualan is a masculine name with Gaelic origins, primarily found in Scottish and Irish naming traditions. It likely represents a variant of the name Alan or Allan, which means "handsome" or "cheerful" in its Celtic roots. The distinctive spelling with the initial 'U' gives the traditional name a more uncommon and striking appearance. While relatively rare even within Celtic regions, Ualan offers parents seeking authentic Celtic names an option that connects to traditional naming patterns while standing apart from more common variants. The pronunciation may vary but typically follows similar patterns to Alan/Allan with the addition of the initial vowel sound. Ualan carries the strength and heritage of Celtic naming traditions while offering a distinctly uncommon choice.

Searthra is an extremely rare masculine name with obscure origins, possibly derived from Gaelic or Celtic naming traditions. The unusual combination of sounds suggests it might be a creative modern invention or a very rare traditional name from an isolated linguistic community. With its distinctive 'th' sound and flowing rhythm, Searthra has an almost mythological quality reminiscent of legendary Celtic heroes or figures from folklore. The scarcity of this name means that individuals bearing it would likely be unique in their communities. Searthra's exotic sound pattern and mysterious origins might appeal to parents seeking a truly uncommon name with a mystical, ancient quality, though its rarity could present pronunciation challenges in some settings.

Matha appears as a masculine name in this context, though historically it's more often seen as a variant spelling of Martha, which is traditionally feminine. Martha derives from Aramaic meaning "lady" or "mistress of the house." As a masculine name, Matha is extremely rare and may represent a cross-cultural adaptation or modern innovation. In some cultures, particularly in parts of India, Matha can have different meanings and may be used for males. The name is simple and accessible in pronunciation despite its unconventional gender assignment. The soft consonants give it a gentle quality. While lacking significant historical usage as a masculine name in Western traditions, its simplicity gives it potential for contemporary appeal.

This is the original Gaelic spelling of the Anglicized Colin -- more authentic, yes, but could make your American child's life unnecessarily complicated.

Seonag is a feminine Scottish Gaelic name, a diminutive form of Joanna or Jane. Pronounced roughly as 'SHOH-nag' or 'SHAW-nak,' it derives from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning 'God is gracious.' This traditional Highland name carries deep connections to Scottish heritage and culture. Though common historically in Gaelic-speaking parts of Scotland, it remains relatively rare even within Scotland today and is virtually unknown outside Scottish communities. The name preserves important linguistic and cultural heritage, making it a meaningful choice for families with Scottish roots. Despite its unfamiliar appearance to non-Gaelic speakers, Seonag has a pleasant, distinctive sound once pronunciation is learned.

The Biblical Simon has been rediscovered and this appealing short form, an alternative to Sam, might be a way to make your Simon even more special.

Mánas is a masculine name with roots in several cultures. In Gaelic traditions, it may be related to the name 'Manus,' a Latinized form of 'Magnus,' meaning 'great.' The accent mark suggests possible Hungarian or Czech influence, where it might alter the pronunciation and meaning. In Sanskrit, 'manas' refers to the mind or mental faculty, adding a philosophical dimension to the name. This cross-cultural name remains relatively rare globally, appealing to parents seeking something with both ancient roots and contemporary uniqueness. Mánas carries a dignified quality while being concise and memorable. The name's multicultural associations make it versatile across different linguistic traditions, though its pronunciation may vary slightly depending on cultural context.

Éimhear (also sometimes written as Éimear or Anglicized as Emer) is a feminine name of Irish Gaelic origin. In Irish mythology, Éimhear was the wife of the legendary hero Cú Chulainn and was renowned for her beauty, wisdom, and fierce spirit. The name is believed to derive from elements meaning 'swift' or 'ready,' reflecting qualities of alertness and quick-wittedness. The accent over the 'E' (called a fada in Irish) elongates the vowel sound. While traditional in Ireland, Éimhear remains relatively rare internationally, though interest in authentic Irish names has increased globally. The name combines ancient heritage with a melodic pronunciation, appealing to parents seeking a name with strong cultural roots and feminine strength.

Barabal is an unusual feminine name with possible Scottish Gaelic origins, potentially derived from or related to the name Barbara. In Scottish naming traditions, it may have served as a variant or diminutive form. The name has an ancient, rustic quality that evokes the highlands and Celtic heritage. Extremely rare in modern usage, Barabal maintains an air of mystery and old-world charm. The pronunciation (likely BAR-uh-bull) has a rhythmic quality that distinguishes it from more common names. Historical records show limited usage primarily in Scotland and nearby regions, though it has never achieved widespread popularity. For contemporary parents, Barabal might appeal as an extraordinarily distinctive choice with authentic historical roots.

Parlan is a masculine name with Scottish and Irish Gaelic origins. It's believed to be derived from the Gaelic 'Parthalán' or 'Bartholomew,' which means 'son of Talmai' or 'furrow.' In Scottish tradition, it has connections to clan names and may sometimes be found as a surname. As a first name, Parlan remains quite rare, giving it a distinctive quality while still carrying Celtic heritage. The name has a strong, concise sound that combines traditional roots with an uncommon profile. Parlan might appeal to parents with Scottish or Irish heritage looking for a name that honors their ancestry without being as widely used as names like Liam or Aidan. Its relative obscurity means that a child named Parlan is unlikely to share his name with classmates, while still having a name with authentic historical and cultural connections.

A surprisingly rare form of Arthur that rings more Scottish, and lends itself easily to Art as a nickname.