Scottish Names for Boys

All names ending in ville are in nowheresville. 

Melville

Supermodel Helena Christensen named her son in honor of jazz great Charles Mingus, opening up a whole category of jazzy possibilities: Kenton, Calloway, Ellington, Gillespie, Mulligan, Tatum, and Thelonius.


Mingus

Traditionally pronounced "ming-iz" and thus the relationship to the jazzy Mingus, Menzies is an old Scottish surname related to the more common Manners.

Menzies

Innis is the name of an island (and Gaelic word for island) which became a Scottish surname and clan name before being used as a first. It hasn't been heard much in the U.S., but could attract more attention with the growing popularity of Latin s-ending boys' names such as Atticus.
 Innis is related in sound to Ennis, as in the character name Ennis Del Mar, indelibly played by Heath Ledger in "Brokeback Mountain."

Innes

Takes Monroe out of the Dead Presidents category and gives it new life. 

Munro

A common family name in Scotland, occasionally used as a first. 

Muir

Mungo is one of the most classic <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/428/scottish-baby-names">Scottish names</a> but perhaps also among the most difficult names to carry. There is a St. Mungo whose proper name was Kentigern; he is the patron saint of Glasgow. It was used by writer Douglas Stuart as the titular character for his novel Young Mungo.

Mungo

Distinguished actor Hume Cronyn (who shared his father's name) put this unusual choice in the lexicon. 

Hume

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.

Arailt

Scottish nature name that could prove a tongue- twister for the younger set. 

Nairn

The surname of the influential early Scottish inventor of logarithms could make an inspiring middle name choice for a mathematically inclined family. 

Napier

Excellent candidate for use as an undiscovered surname name. Niven is the Anglicized spelling of the Irish name Naomhan, a diminutive of the word naomh which means saint. This handsome but unusual name was given to only six boys in the US last year. Your parents may be familiar with actor David Niven.
 
Other forms of the name include Nevan and Nevin.

Niven

Often used in England, but here likely to be confused with the feminine Nicole. Nicol Williamson was a Scottish-born actor once described by playwright John Osborne as "the greatest actor since Marlon Brando".

Nicol

Ancient Irish saint's name that's unlikely, because of its similarity to "ninny," to join cousin Finian in popularity. 

Ninian

Norrie is a charming masculine name with Scottish origins, typically functioning as a diminutive of Norman or Nora. In Scottish usage, particularly in the Highlands, Norrie developed as an affectionate form that eventually stood as an independent name. The name carries a warm, friendly quality with its soft ending sound. While never reaching mainstream popularity, Norrie maintains steady usage in Scotland and among Scottish diaspora communities. The name blends traditional roots with a contemporary sound, making it appealing to parents seeking something distinctive yet approachable. Norrie's compact form and easy pronunciation contribute to its subtle charm and usability across age groups.

Norrie

A nice enough last name that turns supercilious as a first. 

Norville

There's a Perth in Scotland and a bigger one in Australia; this name could make a statement similar to Heath. 

Perth

Philbin is a masculine name of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic 'Féilbhín' or 'Failbhe,' meaning 'wolf' or 'little wolf.' This surname-turned-first-name gained recognition in America largely through television personality Regis Philbin, who brought it to public attention during his long career in entertainment. While not commonly used as a first name, Philbin carries a distinctive sound and strong cultural connection to Irish heritage. It conveys qualities of loyalty, strength, and charisma. The name remains rare as a given name, making it a unique choice that stands out while still being recognizable, particularly among those familiar with Irish naming traditions or media personalities.

Philbin

Pilbin is an extremely rare masculine name with obscure origins. It may have evolved as a surname before transitioning to occasional use as a first name, following the pattern of many surnames that have made this shift. The name potentially has Irish or English roots, possibly related to ancient Celtic naming traditions or geographic locations. As a first name, Pilbin has remained exceedingly uncommon, barely registering in naming statistics across English-speaking countries. This rarity gives it a distinctive quality that might appeal to parents seeking a truly unique option. The name has a strong, somewhat traditional sound despite its obscurity. With its uncommon nature, Pilbin offers the benefit of individuality while still having a pronounceable, accessible structure.

Pilbin

If used at all these days, it would be to honor artist Jackson, whose first name would be far preferable. 

Pollock

 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 7)