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Scottish Gaelic Names for Boys

Nameberry
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Sep 24 2019
  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. Alasdair

    • Origin:

      Scottish variation of Alexander

    • Meaning:

      "defending men"

    • Description:

      In this country, more recognizable with the Alistair spelling.
  4. Faraday

    • Origin:

      Scottish surname

    • Meaning:

      "wood man"

    • Description:

      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.
  5. Loch

    • Origin:

      Scottish Gaelic

    • Meaning:

      "lake"

    • Description:

      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.
  6. Macallister

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "son of Alasdair"

    • Description:

      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.
  7. Cailean

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "pup, cub"

    • Description:

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

    • Origin:

      Scottish diminutive of Simon

    • Meaning:

      "the listener"

    • Description:

      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.
  9. Searthra

    • Description:

      Searthra is an extremely rare masculine name with obscure origins, possibly derived from Gaelic or Celtic naming traditions. The unusual combination of sounds suggests it might be a creative modern invention or a very rare traditional name from an isolated linguistic community. With its distinctive 'th' sound and flowing rhythm, Searthra has an almost mythological quality reminiscent of legendary Celtic heroes or figures from folklore. The scarcity of this name means that individuals bearing it would likely be unique in their communities. Searthra's exotic sound pattern and mysterious origins might appeal to parents seeking a truly uncommon name with a mystical, ancient quality, though its rarity could present pronunciation challenges in some settings.
  10. Ualan

    • Description:

      Ualan is a masculine name with Gaelic origins, primarily found in Scottish and Irish naming traditions. It likely represents a variant of the name Alan or Allan, which means "handsome" or "cheerful" in its Celtic roots. The distinctive spelling with the initial 'U' gives the traditional name a more uncommon and striking appearance. While relatively rare even within Celtic regions, Ualan offers parents seeking authentic Celtic names an option that connects to traditional naming patterns while standing apart from more common variants. The pronunciation may vary but typically follows similar patterns to Alan/Allan with the addition of the initial vowel sound. Ualan carries the strength and heritage of Celtic naming traditions while offering a distinctly uncommon choice.
  11. Ruiseart

    • Origin:

      Scottish Gaelic

    • Meaning:

      "brave ruler"

    • Description:

      Scottish Gaelic form of Richard, also found as Risteard.
  12. Bhaltair

    • Description:

      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.
  13. Dùghall

    • Description:

      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.
  14. Matha

    • Description:

      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.
  15. Còiseam

    • Description:

      Còiseam is an extremely rare Scottish Gaelic masculine name with deep Celtic roots. Pronounced approximately "KO-sham" or "KOSH-um" (depending on regional accents), this uncommon name belongs to ancient Gaelic naming traditions. While specific meaning references are limited in mainstream sources, it likely has connections to ancient clan designations or geographical features in the Scottish Highlands. The name features the distinctive accent mark (grave accent) common in Gaelic orthography, which indicates specific pronunciation patterns. Còiseam remains predominantly found in traditional Gaelic-speaking communities in Scotland, particularly in the Highlands and Islands. The name represents a connection to Scottish heritage and language preservation, chosen by families with strong ties to Gaelic cultural traditions and history.

  16. Gillie

    • Description:

      Gillie is a charming masculine name with Scottish and Irish roots. It originally functioned as a nickname for names like Gilbert, Gillian, or Guillaume (the French form of William). The name may derive from the Gaelic word 'gille,' meaning 'servant' or 'boy,' which was often used to refer to attendants or followers. As a standalone name, Gillie has a friendly, approachable quality with its soft sound and casual feel. Though relatively uncommon as a given name, it carries a rustic, old-world charm that appeals to parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible for their sons.
  17. Mata

    • Description:

      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.
  18. Simm

    • Origin:

      Short form of Simon or Simeon, Hebrew

    • Meaning:

      "the listener"

    • Description:

      You might want to abbreviate this from one of the Biblical originals or use it as a name all on its own, an update of Sam or Finn. Sim is a Scottish Gaelic form of Simon.
  19. Magnuss

    • Description:

      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.
  20. Eumann

    • Description:

      Eumann is a rare masculine name with Germanic origins. The name likely derives from the Germanic elements 'eo' or 'eu' meaning 'law' or 'custom' combined with 'mann' meaning 'man,' suggesting someone who is law-abiding or a guardian of tradition. As a surname, it appears in German and Austrian records, but its use as a first name remains uncommon across most regions. Eumann carries a dignified, traditional character that resonates with strength and principle. The name's rarity gives it a distinctive quality for boys, though this also means it lacks widespread recognition. Parents choosing this name might appreciate its unique sound and strong etymological foundations, though they should be prepared to frequently explain its pronunciation and origin.

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