Scottish Names that Start With N
By Nameberry
Updated Tue Oct 01 2024
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- Nessa
Origin:
ScandinavianMeaning:
"headlands, promontory"Description:
Like its cousin Tessa, Nessa -- a shortening of Vanessa or Agnes or Anastasia among other possibilities -- is an attractive nickname that can stand on its own.
- Niven
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"little saint"Description:
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.
- Nairne
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"river with alder trees"Description:
A name with a pleasing nature meaning, a surname style, and pleasant Scottish burr. Reminiscent of Mare, Raine, and Blair, it is as yet undiscovered as a first name.
- Nairn
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"river with alder trees"Description:
Scottish nature name that could prove a tongue- twister for the younger set.
- Naim
Origin:
Scottish; ArabicMeaning:
"river with alder trees; happy"Description:
Naim, also sometimes spelled Naime, is a pleasant choice that may have some confusing pronunciation issues in English-speaking countries (where may will say this name as "name"). But don't let that deter you if you're in love with this moniker.
- Ninian
Origin:
Scottish and Irish, meaning unknownDescription:
Ancient Irish saint's name that's unlikely, because of its similarity to "ninny," to join cousin Finian in popularity.
- Norrie
Description:
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.
- Neilina
Description:
Neilina is a feminine elaboration of the masculine name Neil, which has Scottish and Irish origins derived from the Gaelic 'Niall,' potentially meaning 'champion' or 'cloud.' The addition of the feminine suffix '-ina' transforms the traditionally male name into a distinctive feminine variant, following naming patterns seen in names like Georgina or Josephina. This name remains extremely rare, likely used primarily in families with Scottish or Irish heritage who wish to honor a Neil in the family while giving a daughter a clearly feminine name. Neilina has a lyrical quality with its flowing syllables and combines Celtic heritage with a traditionally feminine ending. Despite its rarity, the name is intuitive in pronunciation and connects to the more familiar Neil tradition.
- Nicol
Origin:
Scottish and English, medieval variation of NicholasDescription:
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".
- Norville
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"northern town"Description:
A nice enough last name that turns supercilious as a first.
- Napier
Origin:
Scottish occupational nameMeaning:
"producer or seller of table linens"Description:
The surname of the influential early Scottish inventor of logarithms could make an inspiring middle name choice for a mathematically inclined family.
- Norlene
Description:
Norlene is a feminine name that appears to be a blend of the prefix 'Nor-' (possibly from Norman, Nora, or Nordic influences) and the popular feminine suffix '-lene' or '-lene' seen in names like Marlene and Darlene. It emerged in the United States primarily in the mid-20th century, reaching its modest peak of popularity between the 1930s and 1950s. Norlene has a vintage charm characteristic of names from that era while remaining distinctive due to its relative rarity. The name has a melodic quality with its two syllables and soft ending. While never extremely common, Norlene represents the trend of creative name combinations that characterized American naming practices of the mid-20th century.