Scottish Names that Start With A
- 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.
- Alastair
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"defender of men"Description:
To Americans, a quintessential British name, introduced to the U.S. public by suave journalist/PBS Masterpiece Theater host Alastair Cook. Sometimes used in the U.S. by parents with Scottish heritage.
- Ainsley
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"one's own meadow"Description:
While theoretically unisex, this surname name has been edging up the girls’ names list, perhaps originally as an Ashley substitute. One quality in Ainsley's favor: It's remained steadily popular -- but not TOO popular -- for more than 20 years now, ranking consistently around Number 400. That makes it stylish and familiar without showing up everywhere.
- Allison
Origin:
Scottish, diminutive of AliceMeaning:
"noble"Description:
Widely used here since the 50s, Allison — a derivative of Alice — has now been once again surpassed by the original Alice as parents embrace vintage revivals. Despite this, Allison's popularity has slipped only slightly.
- Annabel
Origin:
Scottish variation of AmabelMeaning:
"loving"Description:
Annabel is a spirited name that embodies quirky British gentility. Appearing in Scotland as early as the twelfth century, where it was a royal name, it also recalls the romantic Edgar Allan Poe poem Annabel Lee, written upon the death of his young wife, Virginia.
- Alison
Origin:
Norman French, diminutive of AliceMeaning:
"noble"Description:
Alison has been long popular in Scotland and widely used here since the fifties. This more feminine medieval elaboration of Alice had long surpassed the original in popularity, but now sounds a tad dated in the U.S., with Alice having leapfrogged back over Alison, Allison, Alicia and other variations.
- Adair
Origin:
Scottish and Irish, Brazilian, "oak tree ford; wealthy spearman; wealth and fame"Meaning:
"oak tree ford; wealthy spearman; wealth and fame"Description:
Adair has flair, the grace of a Fred Astaire, and a daring, spirited vibe. It's usually considered a Scottish surname, derived from the name Edgar, though other possibilities are that it derives from the place name, Adare, meaning "ford of oak trees" or from the Irish Darragh meaning "oak tree". In any of these cases, it is pronounced uh-DEHR.
- Ailsa
Origin:
Scottish from NorseMeaning:
"elf victory"Description:
Ailsa is a traditional Scottish name for girls related to a rocky island in the Firth of Clyde called Ailsa Craig. It might make an interesting alternative to the outdated Ashley or overly popular Ella, and could also be thought of as a relative of Elizabeth or Elsa.
- Arran
Origin:
Scottish place nameMeaning:
"ridged island"Description:
Arran Island (not to be confused with the Aran Islands in Ireland) is a large island in Scotland's Firth (or bay) of Clyde. An attractive name, long popular in Scotland, but may be confused with the Biblical Aaron elsewhere. Currently in the Scottish Top 100, it recently re-entered the charts in England and Wales too.
- Alick
Description:
Alick is a masculine name primarily found in Scottish usage as a variant of Alex or Alexander, which derives from Greek elements meaning 'defender of mankind.' The form Alick developed as a diminutive that became established as an independent given name in its own right, particularly in Scotland and parts of England. While less common than Alexander or Alex, Alick has historical precedent dating back several centuries. The name carries a traditional, somewhat rustic charm and maintains connections to Scottish heritage. Though its usage has declined in recent decades, it occasionally appears as a family name passed through generations or chosen by parents seeking a slightly distinctive alternative to the more common Alexander variants.
- Adair
Origin:
Scottish and Irish, BrazilianMeaning:
"oak tree ford; wealthy spearman; wealth and fame"Description:
A unisex name with lots of flair and a daring spirit, Adair was first noticed as a girl's name in the 1980's, thanks to the long-running daytime drama Search for Tomorrow, with the character Adair McCleary, who had ahead-of-their-time brothers named brothers Hogan, Cagney and Quinn. Given to just 22 girls in a recent year (along with 59 boys), it remains a familiar but quietly used choice.
- Argyle
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"an Irishman, from the land of the Gaels"Description:
Nice Scottish sound, but too tied to sweaters and socks.
- Alasdair
Origin:
Scottish variation of AlexanderMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
In this country, more recognizable with the Alistair spelling.
- Ailean
Description:
Ailean is a masculine name with Scottish Gaelic origins, often considered a variation of Alan or Allen. The traditional Gaelic spelling imbues this classic name with Highland heritage and distinctive character. Meaning "handsome" or "cheerful," Ailean carries positive associations reflecting attractive qualities. Though uncommon in mainstream usage, the name remains known in Scottish and Irish communities preserving Gaelic linguistic traditions. Ailean combines ancient Celtic roots with a gentle yet masculine sound. The unusual spelling offers a connection to Gaelic heritage while the familiar pronunciation maintains accessibility.
- Aberdeen
Origin:
Scottish place-nameDescription:
Amiable, undiscovered geographic option.
- Aberdeen
Origin:
Scottish place-nameDescription:
This undiscovered Scottish port city name has a nice, upbeat feel and lots of good nickname possibilities.
- Amilia
Description:
Amilia is a feminine name that represents a variant spelling of Amelia, which derives from the Germanic word 'amal' meaning 'work' or 'industrious.' This alternate spelling maintains the melodic quality of the original while offering a slightly different visual presentation. Amilia shares the rich history of Amelia, which has been used since medieval times and was popularized by figures like aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart. The name has a gentle, flowing sound that contributes to its romantic appeal. While less common than the standard spelling, Amilia appeals to parents seeking a familiar name with a subtle twist to make it more distinctive.
- Ailbert
Description:
Ailbert is a masculine name with Germanic origins, derived from elements meaning 'noble' ('adal') and 'bright' or 'famous' ('beraht'). It's a variant of Albert, which became widespread throughout Europe after being introduced to England by the Normans. Ailbert has a distinctly medieval feel, evoking images of ancient nobility and chivalric tradition. While Albert became extremely popular, particularly after Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha married Queen Victoria, the Ailbert variant remained uncommon. The name carries connotations of wisdom and dignity, qualities associated with notable bearers of related forms like Albert Einstein. This spelling variation offers a way to honor family traditions connected to Albert while providing a more distinctive alternative that maintains the historical gravitas of the original.
- Arailt
Description:
Arailt is a masculine name of Scottish Gaelic origin, representing a Gaelicized form of the Norse name Harald or Harold. The name carries significant historical weight, as it was borne by several Norse and Viking leaders throughout history. Etymologically, it combines elements meaning 'army' and 'ruler' or 'power,' reflecting the warrior culture of medieval Scandinavia. Arailt emerged through cultural exchange between Norse settlers and indigenous Gaelic populations in Scotland and Ireland. This rare name maintains a strong, distinctive sound that evokes ancient Celtic and Viking heritage. Quite uncommon in contemporary use, Arailt appeals to parents with Scottish Highland connections or those seeking a name with historical depth and uniqueness. The name projects qualities of leadership, strength, and noble heritage while remaining virtually unknown in mainstream naming practices.
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