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Scottish Names that Start With A

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Oct 01 2024
  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. Ailsa

    • Origin:

      Scottish from Norse

    • Meaning:

      "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 It might make an interesting alternative to the outdated Ashley or overly popular Ella, and could also be thought of as a relative of Elizabeth or Elsa.
  4. Allison

    • Origin:

      Scottish, diminutive of Alice

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  5. Annabel

    • Origin:

      Scottish variation of Amabel

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  6. Alison

    • Origin:

      Norman French, diminutive of Alice

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  7. Ainsley

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  8. Alastair

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  9. Adair

    • Origin:

      Scottish and Irish

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  10. Ainsley

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  11. Adair

    • Origin:

      English and Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  12. Arran

    • Origin:

      Scottish place name

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  13. Aberdeen

    • Origin:

      Scottish place-name

    • Description:

      Amiable, undiscovered geographic option.
  14. Alasdair

    • Origin:

      Scottish variation of Alexander

    • Meaning:

      "defending men"

    • Description:

      In this country, more recognizable with the Alistair spelling.
  15. Artis

    • Origin:

      Celtic

    • Meaning:

      "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.
  16. 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.
  17. Argyle

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "an Irishman, from the land of the Gaels"

    • Description:

      Nice Scottish sound, but too tied to sweaters and socks.
  18. Aili

    • Origin:

      Finnish and Sami variation of Helga, diminutive of Aileen, Anglicization of Eilidh

    • Meaning:

      "holy, blessed; bright and shining light"

    • Description:

      An attractive Scandinavian take on Helga, or a potential Helen nickname.
  19. 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.

  20. 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.