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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. 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.
  4. Alasdair

    • Origin:

      Scottish variation of Alexander

    • Meaning:

      "defending men"

    • Description:

      In this country, more recognizable with the Alistair spelling.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Artair

    • Origin:

      Scottish Gaelic form of Arthur, Celtic

    • Meaning:

      "bear"

    • Description:

      A surprisingly rare form of Arthur that rings more Scottish, and lends itself easily to Art as a nickname.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. Caointean

    • Description:

      Caointean is an extremely rare masculine name with Gaelic origins. This uncommon name is likely derived from the Irish word "caoin," meaning "to weep" or "to lament," or possibly related to "caoin" meaning "gentle" or "mild." The pronunciation may be challenging for non-Gaelic speakers, typically approximated as "KEEN-tyan" or "kween-TYAN." Caointean exemplifies the revival of ancient Celtic names that connect to Irish or Scottish heritage. The name remains exceptionally uncommon even in Ireland and Scotland, making it a truly distinctive choice. For parents seeking a name with authentic Gaelic roots and a melodic, unusual quality, Caointean represents a deep connection to Celtic linguistic and cultural traditions.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.

  14. Cliamain

    • Description:

      Cliamain is an extremely rare masculine name with likely Celtic or Gaelic origins, though specific documentation is limited. It may be a variant or derivative of names like Clement (meaning "merciful") or could be related to the Irish name Colmán. The unique spelling and pronunciation give Cliamain a distinctive quality that sets it apart from more common names. Due to its rarity, there is little data on its historical usage or popularity trends. The name carries a melodic quality typical of Celtic names, with a flowing pronunciation that combines strength and softness. For parents seeking an extraordinarily uncommon name with ancient cultural connections, Cliamain offers a distinctive option. The unusual nature of this name means that bearers would likely need to frequently explain both its pronunciation and origins.

  15. Parlan

    • Description:

      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.
  16. Eanraig

    • Description:

      Eanraig is a masculine Gaelic form of Henry, primarily found in Scottish culture. The name derives from the Germanic elements 'haim' meaning 'home' and 'ric' meaning 'ruler' or 'power'. In traditional Scottish Gaelic naming conventions, Eanraig would be pronounced with emphasis on the first syllable. While not commonly used in modern times, it represents an important connection to Celtic heritage and Scottish linguistic traditions. The name carries connotations of leadership and authority, reflecting its original meaning of 'home ruler'. Eanraig remains relatively rare, even in Scotland, making it a distinctive choice that honors Gaelic cultural roots.

  17. Tiobaid

    • Description:

      Tiobaid is a masculine name of Irish Gaelic origin, representing the Irish form of Theobald. The original Germanic name Theobald combines elements meaning "people" and "bold," conveying the sense of "bold among the people." In Irish pronunciation, Tiobaid sounds approximately like "CHI-bid" or "CHEE-bid." This name carries strong Celtic heritage and would be recognized primarily in Ireland and among Irish diaspora communities. While uncommon even in Ireland today, it represents a connection to Irish linguistic traditions and heritage. Parents might choose Tiobaid to honor Irish ancestry while selecting a name that stands apart from more common Irish names like Liam or Aidan. The name's distinctive spelling and pronunciation reflect the rich phonetic traditions of the Irish Gaelic language.
  18. Simidh

    • Description:

      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.
  19. Mánas

    • Description:

      Mánas is a masculine name with roots in several cultures. In Gaelic traditions, it may be related to the name 'Manus,' a Latinized form of 'Magnus,' meaning 'great.' The accent mark suggests possible Hungarian or Czech influence, where it might alter the pronunciation and meaning. In Sanskrit, 'manas' refers to the mind or mental faculty, adding a philosophical dimension to the name. This cross-cultural name remains relatively rare globally, appealing to parents seeking something with both ancient roots and contemporary uniqueness. Mánas carries a dignified quality while being concise and memorable. The name's multicultural associations make it versatile across different linguistic traditions, though its pronunciation may vary slightly depending on cultural context.
  20. Caoidhean

    • Description:

      Caoidhean is a masculine name of Gaelic origin, derived from elements possibly meaning 'wild fire' or relating to 'caoin' (gentle, beloved). This distinctively Irish name exemplifies traditional Gaelic naming patterns with its complex spelling that may appear challenging to non-Gaelic speakers. Pronounced approximately as 'KEE-an' or 'KWEE-an' depending on regional dialect, Caoidhean represents a deep connection to Irish heritage and language. The name is rare even within Ireland, making it a truly distinctive choice that honors Gaelic linguistic traditions. Caoidhean would appeal to families with strong Irish connections seeking an authentic name that stands apart from more commonly used Irish options. Its rarity and spelling complexity make it a conversation starter while its melodic pronunciation offers accessibility.