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Scottish Gaelic Names

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Thu Nov 30 2023
  1. Alistair

    • Origin:

      English spelling of Alasdair, Scottish version of Alexander

    • Meaning:

      "defending men"

    • Description:

      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.
  2. Angus

    • Origin:

      Anglicized form of Aonghus, Aonghas, Gaelic

    • Meaning:

      "one strength"

    • Description:

      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.
  3. Ferelith

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "true sovereignty"

    • Description:

      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.
  4. Loch

    • Origin:

      Scottish Gaelic

    • Meaning:

      "lake"

    • Description:

      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.
  5. Alasdair

    • Origin:

      Scottish variation of Alexander

    • Meaning:

      "defending men"

    • Description:

      In this country, more recognizable with the Alistair spelling.
  6. Faraday

    • Origin:

      Scottish surname

    • Meaning:

      "wood man"

    • Description:

      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.
  7. Macallister

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "son of Alasdair"

    • Description:

      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.
  8. Teasagh

    • Origin:

      Scottish variation of Jean

    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"

    • Description:

      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.
  9. Sim

    • Origin:

      Scottish diminutive of Simon

    • Meaning:

      "the listener"

    • Description:

      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.
  10. Seonag

    • Description:

      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.
  11. Simidh

    • Description:

      Simidh is a rare masculine name with possible roots in South Asian languages. While specific origins are not widely documented, it may be a variant of similar Sanskrit-derived names. The name likely carries cultural significance within specific communities. Simidh remains uncommon in Western countries, maintaining its distinctiveness. Parents might choose this name for its unique sound and possible connection to cultural heritage. The pronunciation typically emphasizes the first syllable, though regional variations exist. As a less common name, Simidh offers the advantage of uniqueness while still being relatively straightforward to pronounce.
  12. Magnuss

    • Description:

      Magnuss is a variant spelling of Magnus, a masculine name with deep Norse and Latin roots. The traditional form Magnus means 'great' or 'mighty' in Latin and was borne by several Scandinavian kings and saints. The doubled 's' gives this variant a distinctive visual appearance while maintaining the powerful sound of the original. Popular throughout Scandinavia and Iceland for centuries, the name carries connotations of strength and leadership. While the standard spelling Magnus has seen increased international usage in recent decades, Magnuss with the double 's' remains less common, offering a unique twist on the classic. The name's historical associations with Viking culture and monarchy give it a commanding presence and timeless appeal.
  13. Artair

    • Origin:

      Scottish Gaelic form of Arthur, Celtic

    • Meaning:

      "bear"

    • Description:

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

    • Description:

      Còiseam is an extremely rare Scottish Gaelic masculine name with deep Celtic roots. Pronounced approximately "KO-sham" or "KOSH-um" (depending on regional accents), this uncommon name belongs to ancient Gaelic naming traditions. While specific meaning references are limited in mainstream sources, it likely has connections to ancient clan designations or geographical features in the Scottish Highlands. The name features the distinctive accent mark (grave accent) common in Gaelic orthography, which indicates specific pronunciation patterns. Còiseam remains predominantly found in traditional Gaelic-speaking communities in Scotland, particularly in the Highlands and Islands. The name represents a connection to Scottish heritage and language preservation, chosen by families with strong ties to Gaelic cultural traditions and history.

  15. Peigi

    • Description:

      Peigi is a feminine Scottish Gaelic name that serves as a traditional diminutive form of Margaret. Pronounced approximately as 'PAY-gee,' this distinctive name carries the cultural heritage of the Scottish Highlands and Islands, particularly the Hebrides. Like Margaret, Peigi ultimately derives from the Greek 'margarites,' meaning 'pearl.' The name has deep roots in traditional Gaelic-speaking communities, where it has been passed down through generations. While common historically in Scottish Gaelic contexts, Peigi remains rare in the broader English-speaking world, giving it a distinctive quality. For families with Scottish Highland heritage, the name represents a connection to cultural roots and language traditions while offering a melodic, distinctive alternative to more common Margaret derivatives.

  16. Filib

    • Description:

      Filib is a masculine name representing the Gaelic or Celtic form of Philip, primarily found in Irish and Scottish naming traditions. The name derives from Greek 'Philippos,' meaning 'lover of horses.' While the anglicized Philip became widespread throughout Europe, Filib retained its distinctive Celtic character and pronunciation, which is roughly FIL-ib. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries beyond traditional Celtic communities, the name represents a connection to ancient heritage and linguistic traditions. Filib has historically been used to honor Saint Philip the Apostle, making it part of the Christian naming tradition in Celtic regions. The name carries associations of cultural pride and linguistic preservation, appealing to families with Celtic roots or those seeking authentic names with historical significance.
  17. Gillie

    • Description:

      Gillie is a charming masculine name with Scottish and Irish roots. It originally functioned as a nickname for names like Gilbert, Gillian, or Guillaume (the French form of William). The name may derive from the Gaelic word 'gille,' meaning 'servant' or 'boy,' which was often used to refer to attendants or followers. As a standalone name, Gillie has a friendly, approachable quality with its soft sound and casual feel. Though relatively uncommon as a given name, it carries a rustic, old-world charm that appeals to parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible for their sons.
  18. Ruaraidh

    • Description:

      Ruaraidh is a feminine name of Scottish Gaelic origin, being the feminine form of the masculine name Ruairidh (Rory). It means "red king" or "famous ruler," derived from the Gaelic elements "ruadh" (red) and "righ" (king). While traditionally a male name in Scotland, this feminine variant is quite rare. The name carries strong Celtic heritage and connections to Scottish clan history. The pronunciation can be challenging for non-Gaelic speakers, typically sounding like "ROO-uh-ree." Despite its ancient roots, Ruaraidh remains uncommon in contemporary usage outside of Scotland and families with strong Scottish heritage.
  19. Dùghall

    • Description:

      Dùghall is a masculine Scottish Gaelic name, a variant of Dugald or Dougal, derived from the Gaelic 'dubh-gall' meaning 'dark stranger' or 'dark foreigner.' The accent mark indicates the proper pronunciation, with emphasis on the first syllable and a slightly elongated vowel sound. Historically, this name emerged in Scotland to describe Norse Vikings or 'dark foreigners' who settled in the region. Carrying strong Celtic heritage, Dùghall remains relatively uncommon outside Scotland and Scottish diaspora communities. The name evokes rugged Highland landscapes and ancient clan traditions. While challenging for non-Gaelic speakers to pronounce correctly, Dùghall offers an authentic connection to Scottish cultural heritage for those with roots in or appreciation for Celtic traditions.
  20. Cailean

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "pup, cub"

    • Description:

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