Scottish Gaelic Names
- Alistair
Origin:
English spelling of Alasdair, Scottish version of AlexanderMeaning:
"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.
- Angus
Origin:
Anglicized form of Aonghus, Aonghas, GaelicMeaning:
"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.
- Ferelith
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"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.
- Loch
Origin:
Scottish GaelicMeaning:
"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.
- Alasdair
Origin:
Scottish variation of AlexanderMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
In this country, more recognizable with the Alistair spelling.
- Faraday
Origin:
Scottish surnameMeaning:
"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.
- Teasagh
Origin:
Scottish variation of JeanMeaning:
"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.
- Bhaltair
Description:
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.
- Artair
Origin:
Scottish Gaelic form of Arthur, CelticMeaning:
"bear"Description:
A surprisingly rare form of Arthur that rings more Scottish, and lends itself easily to Art as a nickname.
- Cailean
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"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.
- Ualan
Description:
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Caointean
Description:
Caointean is an extremely rare masculine name with Gaelic origins. This uncommon name is likely derived from the Irish word "caoin," meaning "to weep" or "to lament," or possibly related to "caoin" meaning "gentle" or "mild." The pronunciation may be challenging for non-Gaelic speakers, typically approximated as "KEEN-tyan" or "kween-TYAN." Caointean exemplifies the revival of ancient Celtic names that connect to Irish or Scottish heritage. The name remains exceptionally uncommon even in Ireland and Scotland, making it a truly distinctive choice. For parents seeking a name with authentic Gaelic roots and a melodic, unusual quality, Caointean represents a deep connection to Celtic linguistic and cultural traditions.
- Sim
Origin:
Scottish diminutive of SimonMeaning:
"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.
- Éimhear
Description:
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.
- Macallister
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"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.
- 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.
- Cliamain
Description:
Cliamain is an extremely rare masculine name with likely Celtic or Gaelic origins, though specific documentation is limited. It may be a variant or derivative of names like Clement (meaning "merciful") or could be related to the Irish name Colmán. The unique spelling and pronunciation give Cliamain a distinctive quality that sets it apart from more common names. Due to its rarity, there is little data on its historical usage or popularity trends. The name carries a melodic quality typical of Celtic names, with a flowing pronunciation that combines strength and softness. For parents seeking an extraordinarily uncommon name with ancient cultural connections, Cliamain offers a distinctive option. The unusual nature of this name means that bearers would likely need to frequently explain both its pronunciation and origins.
- Parlan
Description:
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.