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.
- 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.
- 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 It might make an interesting alternative to the outdated Ashley or overly popular Ella, and could also be thought of as a relative of Elizabeth or Elsa.
- Adair
Origin:
Scottish and IrishMeaning:
"oak tree ford"Description:
Adair has flair, the grace of a Fred Astaire. It's a Scottish surname which came from the first name Edgar.
- 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.
- 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.
- Alasdair
Origin:
Scottish variation of AlexanderMeaning:
"defending men"Description:
In this country, more recognizable with the Alistair spelling.
- Ainsley
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"solitary meadow"Description:
This name will tick a lot of boxes for many parents: unisex; trendy sound; pretty instinctive to pronounce; and some great namesakes including British chef Ainsley Harriott and American footballer Ainsley Battles.
- Adair
Origin:
English and ScottishMeaning:
"shallow place in a river near oaks"Description:
This undiscovered unisex name has lots of flair. It was first noticed as a girl's name, starting in the 1980's, on 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. But since Adair has yet to find many takers, it would make a fresh and appealing choice.
- 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.
- Aili
Origin:
Finnish and Sami variation of Helga, diminutive of Aileen, Anglicization of EilidhMeaning:
"holy, blessed; bright and shining light"Description:
An attractive Scandinavian take on Helga, or a potential Helen nickname.
- Argyle
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"an Irishman, from the land of the Gaels"Description:
Nice Scottish sound, but too tied to sweaters and socks.
- Aberdeen
Origin:
Scottish place-nameDescription:
Amiable, undiscovered geographic option.
- Artis
Origin:
CelticMeaning:
"bear"Description:
Unusual multicultural choice that may appeal to the artistically inclined. The bear meaning gives it a new trendy edge as an animal name.
- 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.
- Aifric
Description:
Aifric is a traditional Irish feminine name with ancient Gaelic roots. The name means 'pleasant' or 'agreeable' and is derived from the elements 'aoibh' (beauty, pleasantness) and 'ric' (ruler). In Irish mythology and history, Aifric appears in several traditional tales. While relatively uncommon outside Ireland, the name has maintained steady usage within Ireland as families seek to preserve cultural heritage. Its pronunciation (EE-frik or AY-frik) may present challenges internationally, but its distinctive character appeals to parents looking for an authentic Irish name with historical depth. In modern times, Aifric has seen modest revival as interest in Celtic names has increased.
- Aurla
Description:
Aurla is a rare feminine name with Celtic origins, possibly related to the Irish name Órla or Órfhlaith, meaning 'golden princess' or 'golden lady.' It may also be connected to Latin-based names associated with 'aurum' (gold), such as Aurelia or Aurora. This uncommon name has a mystical, ethereal quality enhanced by its melodic sound. Despite its rarity in contemporary usage, Aurla carries an ancient dignity and evokes images of golden light and nobility. The name's brevity coupled with its flowing pronunciation gives it a distinctive charm that balances uniqueness with accessibility. For those seeking a name with Celtic heritage and an elegant sound, Aurla offers a beautiful and unusual choice.