Scottish Names for Boys

Iagan is a masculine name with Scottish Gaelic roots, considered a variant of the more common name Eoghan (often anglicized as Owen). The name ultimately derives from the Celtic word 'eugenos,' meaning 'well-born' or 'noble.' This spelling variation maintains the traditional Gaelic sounds while offering a distinctive appearance. Iagan remains relatively rare, even in Scotland, making it an uncommon choice that still carries authentic Celtic heritage. The name might appeal to families with Scottish ancestry looking to honor their roots with a name that's both traditional and uncommon. Its pronunciation (roughly EE-ah-gahn) gives it a melodic quality typical of Gaelic names.

Iagan

An old name still occasionally heard in the U.K., but still and perhaps forever a foreigner in the U.S.  Can be spelled Ranulf.

Ranulph

Mirren is a lively and attractive Scottish name, popular in its native country but best known outside Scotland as the surname of the English actor Dame Helen Mirren. It is thought to be a Scottish derivative of the name Marion, from Mary. Another possible origin for Mirren is as a modern spelling of a mysterious group of names that all seem to derive from the sixth century Irish saint Mirin who emigrated to Scotland and now is the patron saint of both the Glasgow suburb of Paisley and the game of football. The Cornish Merryn, best known as the name of the seacoast town St. Merryn, is also related.

Mirren

The 6th century Irish saint Mirin emigrated to Scotland and now is the patron saint of both the Glasgow suburb of Paisley and the game of football.  Mirren is one modern spelling; the Cornish Merryn, best known as the name of the seacoast town St. Merryn, is also related.  The name is usually used for girls. 

Mirin

Wylei exists because Corey Parker decreed it so: He gave his newborn son this variation of the classic surname more conventionally spelled Wylie or Wiley.  The problem with the Wylei spelling is that it makes you think the name may have a different pronunciation, with an ay versus an ee sound at the end.  This is one of those creative inspirations that will make the child's life more difficult for years to come.

Wylei

Best known to most as a brand of Whisky, Ballantine is a Scottish surname relating to the Celtic god Bal. It has potential as a off-the-beaten-track boys name that is still familiar.  Ballantine is the brand name of a whiskey, a beer, and a publishing imprint.

Ballantine

Dickson's nickname problem keeps it from having the upside possibility of similar names like Jackson and Harrison. If you're looking for fresh <a href="https://nameberry.com">baby names</a> to honor an ancestral Richard or Dick, consider Dixon. Or better, Richardson.

Dickson

Dàibhidh is the Scottish Gaelic form of David, a masculine name with ancient Hebrew origins meaning 'beloved' or 'friend.' The name features traditional Gaelic spelling and pronunciation, with the accent mark (grave accent) indicating the proper vowel sound. In Scottish Highland culture, this name connects its bearer to a rich Celtic heritage and linguistic tradition. While less commonly used than its anglicized counterpart David, Dàibhidh has maintained relevance in Gaelic-speaking communities and among families honoring their Scottish ancestry. The name carries the same biblical associations as David, referencing the shepherd who became king of Israel, symbolizing courage and divine favor.

Dàibhidh

Appearing on a character in Shakespeare's semi-historical play, Macbeth and in an earlier work called Holinshed's Chronicles from which Shakespeare took inspiration, the name Banquo has yet to appear in the US Stats. Possibly derived from the elements bàn</em< meaning "white" and cù meaning "hound", the exact meaning is of the name is unknown. 
 
While Banquo is unlikely to catch on in the same way that Ophelia, Imogen, Juliet, Romeo, and more recently Lysander have, it nevertheless has the cool -O ending of Milo and Arlo along with the potential to be a totally unexpected full name for nicknames Bo and Banks.

Banquo

Mc- names beyond McKenzie are catching on, with Mccoy and Mac now in the US Top 1000 for boys. Rugged but cool McRae might be another possibility, given to just five boys in a recent year. 
 
A name of Scottish origin, it comes from the Gaelic Mag Raith, meaning "son of Rath", or, more figuratively, "son of prosperity" if you consider the meaning of given name Rath.
 
Rally driver Colin McRae and singer Tate McRae are notable surname-bearers.

Mcrae

A zippier spelling of Fraser, a Scottish surname borrowed from either the Old French word for "strawberry plant" (fraise), a now lost French place name (from the surname "de Fresel"), or from the Gaelic frasach meaning "curly-haired". English actor Frazer Hines is a notable bearer.

Frazer

Macenry is a rare modern blended name that combines two traditional names, Mac or Mack and Henry. It carries the strength and simplicity of Mack with the timeless charm of Henry. Macenry feels fresh and unique while still rooted in familiar sounds.

Bonus: Mac can be considered an honor name for any ancestor whose surname begins with Mac or Mc, gender immaterial.

Macenry

An Anglicization of Amhlaidh, the Scottish Gaelic form of the Scandinavian Olaf, Aulay is uniquely popular in Scotland where a recent year saw it in the Top 300, ranking alongside Kit, Greyson, Wyatt, and Douglas. It may be more recognizable outside of Scotland in its surname form: Macaulay.


Aulay

If you want a truly unusual name with authentic roots, this one certainly fits on both counts. Pronunciation may prove a stumbling block, however.

Dalziel

In Scotland, a cairn is a heap of stones placed as a memorial or to support a beacon. This gives the name a rugged, timeless quality that is very appealing at present.

Cairn

The final s turns this name into a manservant. 

Burns

Simplicity and pleasant associations give the word Bell real possibility as a first name -- but somehow it seems better for a girl, a la Belle. 

Bell

An old French surname derived from baille, meaning "fortification" – the same root as the English word bailey. The surname was borne by an aristocratic English family descended from French nobility. 

 A college of Oxford university is named Balliol in honor of John de Balliol, who founded it in the 13th century. Alumni include Bible translator John Wycliffe, author Aldous Huxley, and several British prime ministers.

Balliol

Historically interesting via the 1917 Balfour Declaration, which supported the creation of a Jewish state in Palestine. 

Balfour

Predominantly used for girls and associated with "Bonnie Scotland", Bonnie was used quietly for boys in the US throughout the first half of the 20th century, peaking in the 1934 when it was given to around 94 boys (compared to 3753 girls, that is), though its usage for boys diminished greatly after it was famously used as a feminine choice in Gone with the Wind (1939).
 
 It most recently featured in the charts in 2023 when 5 boys were given the name, perhaps owing to its similarity to other unisex nickname names like Bernie, Bennie, Billy/ie, and Ronnie.

Bonnie

 such as Alistair and Tavish strike a strong balance between familiarity and distinctiveness, which many parents are seeking in their baby name search.

Scottish boys names also often have nice cultural references, from "Macbeth" to "Outlander." Scottish names for boys shouldn't be restricted only to those with Scottish ancestry, at least not the appealing ones on our list of 



Here is our full list of boy names with Scottish origins, ordered by their current popularity on Nameberry. 

Scottish Names for Boys with meanings and popularity, including popular Scottish baby names in scotland, unique Scottish baby names. (Page 10)