Scottish Gaelic Names for Boys

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 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.

In this country, more recognizable with the Alistair spelling.

Loch is a watery word that sounds more like a name because it's one step removed from its English form. Pronounced as "lock," it's also a short form of the variously-spelled Lachlan.

This unusual Scottish surname was made immortal by Michael Faraday, a British scientist who contributed to the fields of electromagnetism and electrochemistry. His name is now a unit of scientific measurement for electricity - a 'power'ful name for any little boy.

The Biblical Simon has been rediscovered and this appealing short form, an alternative to Sam, might be a way to make your Simon even more special.

Filib is a masculine name representing the Gaelic or Celtic form of Philip, primarily found in Irish and Scottish naming traditions. The name derives from Greek 'Philippos,' meaning 'lover of horses.' While the anglicized Philip became widespread throughout Europe, Filib retained its distinctive Celtic character and pronunciation, which is roughly FIL-ib. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries beyond traditional Celtic communities, the name represents a connection to ancient heritage and linguistic traditions. Filib has historically been used to honor Saint Philip the Apostle, making it part of the Christian naming tradition in Celtic regions. The name carries associations of cultural pride and linguistic preservation, appealing to families with Celtic roots or those seeking authentic names with historical significance.

Dùghall is a masculine Scottish Gaelic name, a variant of Dugald or Dougal, derived from the Gaelic 'dubh-gall' meaning 'dark stranger' or 'dark foreigner.' The accent mark indicates the proper pronunciation, with emphasis on the first syllable and a slightly elongated vowel sound. Historically, this name emerged in Scotland to describe Norse Vikings or 'dark foreigners' who settled in the region. Carrying strong Celtic heritage, Dùghall remains relatively uncommon outside Scotland and Scottish diaspora communities. The name evokes rugged Highland landscapes and ancient clan traditions. While challenging for non-Gaelic speakers to pronounce correctly, Dùghall offers an authentic connection to Scottish cultural heritage for those with roots in or appreciation for Celtic traditions.

Bhaltair is a masculine name representing the Scottish Gaelic form of Walter. With Celtic origins, this uncommon name carries the same Germanic roots as Walter, derived from 'wald' (rule) and 'hari' (army), meaning 'ruler of the army' or 'powerful warrior.' The distinctive spelling with 'Bh' reflects Scottish Gaelic phonology, where this combination creates a 'v' sound. Primarily found in Scottish Highland and Gaelic-speaking communities, Bhaltair connects its bearer to Celtic heritage and Scottish cultural traditions. While rare even within Scotland, the name offers parents seeking authentic Gaelic names a strong option with historical depth. The pronunciation (roughly 'VAHL-ter') might present challenges outside Gaelic-speaking regions, but its uniqueness and cultural significance make it an intriguing choice for those with Scottish ancestry or appreciation for Celtic naming traditions.

Macallister as a first name is attracting new attention as the name chosen by Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer and venture capitalist Zack Bogue for their young son. Macallister is usually heard as a patronymic surname, meaning son of Alasdair or Alistair or any one of the spellings of the Scottish form of Alexander. Like all other names of this type, Macallister leads to the cute short form Mac.

Benneit is a masculine name that represents a unique variation of the more common Bennett. Derived from medieval English, it ultimately stems from the Latin name 'Benedictus,' meaning 'blessed.' This distinctive spelling offers a subtle twist on the popular original while maintaining its strong, classic feel. Bennett has Anglo-Norman roots and was originally a medieval form of Benedict, gaining popularity as both a surname and given name. While the Benneit variation remains relatively uncommon, it appeals to parents seeking a recognizable name with a personalized touch. The name conveys qualities of blessing, goodwill, and positive energy, making it a meaningful choice that balances tradition with individuality.

A surprisingly rare form of Arthur that rings more Scottish, and lends itself easily to Art as a nickname.

Simidh is a rare masculine name with possible roots in South Asian languages. While specific origins are not widely documented, it may be a variant of similar Sanskrit-derived names. The name likely carries cultural significance within specific communities. Simidh remains uncommon in Western countries, maintaining its distinctiveness. Parents might choose this name for its unique sound and possible connection to cultural heritage. The pronunciation typically emphasizes the first syllable, though regional variations exist. As a less common name, Simidh offers the advantage of uniqueness while still being relatively straightforward to pronounce.

Scottish Gaelic form of Richard, also found as Risteard.

This is the original Gaelic spelling of the Anglicized Colin -- more authentic, yes, but could make your American child's life unnecessarily complicated.

Magnuss is a variant spelling of Magnus, a masculine name with deep Norse and Latin roots. The traditional form Magnus means 'great' or 'mighty' in Latin and was borne by several Scandinavian kings and saints. The doubled 's' gives this variant a distinctive visual appearance while maintaining the powerful sound of the original. Popular throughout Scandinavia and Iceland for centuries, the name carries connotations of strength and leadership. While the standard spelling Magnus has seen increased international usage in recent decades, Magnuss with the double 's' remains less common, offering a unique twist on the classic. The name's historical associations with Viking culture and monarchy give it a commanding presence and timeless appeal.

Matha appears as a masculine name in this context, though historically it's more often seen as a variant spelling of Martha, which is traditionally feminine. Martha derives from Aramaic meaning "lady" or "mistress of the house." As a masculine name, Matha is extremely rare and may represent a cross-cultural adaptation or modern innovation. In some cultures, particularly in parts of India, Matha can have different meanings and may be used for males. The name is simple and accessible in pronunciation despite its unconventional gender assignment. The soft consonants give it a gentle quality. While lacking significant historical usage as a masculine name in Western traditions, its simplicity gives it potential for contemporary appeal.

Parlan is a masculine name with Scottish and Irish Gaelic origins. It's believed to be derived from the Gaelic 'Parthalán' or 'Bartholomew,' which means 'son of Talmai' or 'furrow.' In Scottish tradition, it has connections to clan names and may sometimes be found as a surname. As a first name, Parlan remains quite rare, giving it a distinctive quality while still carrying Celtic heritage. The name has a strong, concise sound that combines traditional roots with an uncommon profile. Parlan might appeal to parents with Scottish or Irish heritage looking for a name that honors their ancestry without being as widely used as names like Liam or Aidan. Its relative obscurity means that a child named Parlan is unlikely to share his name with classmates, while still having a name with authentic historical and cultural connections.

Mata is a masculine name with diverse cultural origins, appearing in multiple traditions worldwide. In Sanskrit, it means 'mother' or can relate to wisdom and knowledge. In Hebrew, it's a diminutive of Matityahu (Matthew), meaning 'gift of God.' The name also appears in Māori culture meaning 'face' or in Finnish as a diminutive of Matias. Its concise two-syllable structure makes it accessible across languages. Historically, the name gained some recognition through Mata Hari, the famous female spy, though as a masculine name it has separate traditions. Mata's cross-cultural presence gives it versatility while its brevity provides strength and clarity. Though uncommon in Western countries as a first name for boys, it offers a multicultural option with rich historical connections.