Scottish Names that Start With G

Well used in England and Scotland since the fifties, the smooth and sophisticated Graham is catching on here.

One-time beach-boy compadre of Glenn, Greg, and Gary that originated as a nickname for a tall person, Grant has become a no-nonsense, career-oriented grown-up and one that is seeing new appreciation. It was chosen for his son by actor Morris Chestnut. It has cultural cred via artist Grant Wood, whose best known painting is 'American Gothic.'

This attractive Scottish surname choice, has a certain amount of glamour thanks to feisty British-born red-haired forties Academy Award winner Greer Garson, who was born Eileen Evelyn Greer Garson--Greer was her Irish mother's maiden name). Greer was chosen much more recently by Kelsey Grammer for his daughter and by Brooke Shields in the Grier form. As a surname, it's associated with feminist writer/activist Germaine Greer.

As this long-term Age of Jordans, both male and female, begins to wind down, the neglected Scottish favorite Gordon, with its more distinguished history, could come back as a distinctive alternative. Gordon is one of the most classic authentically Scottish names for boys.

Glenn appealed to a lot of post-World War II parents for its cool, leafy image, also calling up the Big Band sounds of Glenn Miller and the calm, composed image of actor Glenn Ford, whose name at birth was the Welsh Gwyllyn. It could possible be in line for a comeback in the more nature-evoking spelling of Glen, as used by Glen Campbell, or possibly even the Welsh Glyn.

The more popular Greer spelling might lean feminine, however, Grier sees more even distribution between the sexes. It is given to a small handful of babies each year, but for every one Grier, there are three Greers.

Former cool-boy name now in middle-aged limbo, but with a nice naturey meaning to endear it to modern parents.

An interesting vowel combination lightens up Graham.

A rare but distinguished Scottish name. The original Galloway is a region in south-west Scotland, and the meaning ("stranger-Gaels") refers to its mixed population of Scandinavian and Gaelic-speaking people. It later became a surname and a sturdy breed of cattle. Galloway could be a fresh addition to better-known Scottish places like Murray and Ross.

While actress Glenn Close didn't inspire many parents to give their daughters her name in particular, she did help launch a general trend toward boy names for girls.

Guthrie, folk singer Woody's last name, makes a perfectly fine first choice for a girl. Names such as Guthrie that have no gendered history can make true nonbinary names.

Gerlad appears to be a variant spelling of Gerald, a traditional masculine name with Germanic origins. The classic Gerald derives from elements meaning 'spear' and 'rule' or 'power,' conveying strength and leadership. This alternate spelling might be the result of a typographic error that persisted or a deliberate variation to make the name distinctive. While the standard Gerald has enjoyed consistent popularity throughout the 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, the Gerlad variant remains extremely uncommon. The name maintains the strong, classic feel of Gerald with its slightly modified form. Its rarity makes it a unique choice while still connecting to the rich history of the traditional name.

An undiscovered place-name with an appealing o-sound ending.

Gibby is a playful diminutive that typically derives from Gilbert or Gibson. The name Gilbert comes from Germanic origins meaning 'bright pledge' or 'shining hostage,' while Gibson was originally a patronymic surname meaning 'son of Gilbert.' Gibby emerged as an affectionate nickname before occasionally being used as an independent given name. It has a friendly, approachable quality with a distinctly casual feel. The name carries associations with youthful energy and cheerfulness. While never achieving mainstream popularity as a formal name, Gibby has maintained steady usage in English-speaking countries, particularly among families seeking a name with an upbeat, informal character. Notable cultural references include characters in television shows that have helped maintain its recognition.

Sometimes heard as a first name in Scotland, particularly among the Campbell clan.

Prettier: the growing-in-popularity Paisley, a suburb of Glasgow, or even Scotland itself, used as a middle name by Kourtney Kardashian.

Gilleabart is a masculine name with Scottish Gaelic origins, representing a Gaelic form of Gilbert. The first element 'gille' means 'servant of' or 'devoted to,' a common prefix in many Gaelic names. The second element relates to 'bright pledge' or 'shining hostage,' creating a name that historically conveyed dedication and honor. Extremely rare in modern usage, Gilleabart preserves ancient Celtic linguistic traditions. It would have been more common in medieval Scotland, particularly in Highland regions where Gaelic was the primary language. The name carries a strong historical resonance and connection to Scottish heritage. For contemporary parents, Gilleabart offers an uncommonly distinctive option with authentic cultural roots, though its pronunciation might present challenges outside Gaelic-speaking communities.

Somewhat flat-footed spelling variation.