Scottish Last Names
- Drummond
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"ridge"Description:
At one time associated with the fictional detective Bulldog Drummond, this formal surname name does boast the cute nickname Drum.
- Airlie
Origin:
Scottish surname and place nameDescription:
This Scottish surname and Scottish and Australian place name has a pleasant airy and breezy sound to it. Camden mayor Lara Symkowiak chose the name for her daughter born in 2016.
- Taggart
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"son of the priest"Description:
Not your typical jovial Irish surname; but has a dark, craggy appeal, and Tag as a nickname.
- Faulkner
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"falconer"Description:
Faulkner is an old occupational surname that was used for someone who kept and trained falcons when falconry was a popular sport in medieval Europe. Anyone using it in contemporary America would probably be honoring Southern novelist William Faulkner. While we love the author, Falconer would probably be a slightly easier name to carry on the playground.
- Ramsay
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"low-lying land"Description:
A surname occasionally used as a first, as in former attorney general Ramsey Clark. This spelling is now closely associated with the psychopathic Game of Thrones villain Ramsay Snow (later Ramsay Bolton), and so is probably best avoided as long as the show and books are popular.
- Christie
Origin:
Diminutive of ChristinaMeaning:
"a Christian"Description:
One of the coolest girls in the class of '73, still cute but not quite as youthful.
- Carrington
Origin:
English, Scottish surnameMeaning:
"from Carrington"Description:
This habitational surname works as a modern way to honor a Carrie, Carolyn, or Caroline.
- Lowry
Origin:
English and Scottish surnameMeaning:
"from Laurentum"Description:
This artistic surname name derives from a diminutive of Laurence/Lawrence, and was famously borne by the English painter LS Lowry.
- Carmichael
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"fort of Michael"Description:
Most parents would prefer to leave the car part parked in the garage.
- Falconer
Origin:
Occupational nameMeaning:
"falcon trainer"Description:
Falconer is one choice that has morphed rapidly from outlandish to possible, even attractive, thanks to the fashion for occupational names. And really, if Archer is getting popular and Miller seems normal, why not Falconer?
- Murdock
Origin:
Surname nameDescription:
Rupert Murdoch has helped make the "ch" spelling more recognizable, but this one has a long history as well. Probably works better as a middle name than a first name, even if you're a big Fox News fan.
- Finlay
Origin:
Irish and ScottishMeaning:
"fair-haired hero"Description:
Finlay is a Scottish royal name (it belonged to Macbeth"s father) that was revived by several celebrity parents who did a gender switch when they used it for their daughters. Angie Harmon and Jason Sehorn, Daniel Baldwin and Lisa Marie Presley all named their daughters Finley.
- Mccabe
Origin:
Irish, patronymic from the word for cape or hatDescription:
McCabe is an Irish patronymic surname that originated with Scottish mercenaries in Ireland who wore distinctive hats -- or cabas, which is also the name for capes.
- Mckenna
Origin:
Irish, “son of Kenneth”Description:
An unconventional route to the cool nickname Mac/Mack, Mckenna or McKenna derives from the Gaelic name Cináed (Anglicized as Kenneth), meaning "born of fire".
- Macbeth
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"son of life"Description:
Although appearing as a patronym (nope, it doesn't mean "son of Elizabeth"), Macbeth originated as a given name. It is derived from the Gaelic MacBeatha, describing a religious man.
- Maine
Origin:
American Place-nameDescription:
Strong, spare, and highly unusual -- there were no babies recorded of either gender receiving this name in one recent year -- place-name referring to the northernmost state in New England. All state names qualify as distinctly American names.
- Livingstone
Description:
Livingstone is a masculine name of English origin, functioning primarily as a surname before occasional adoption as a first name. It derives from a place name meaning 'settlement of Leofwine's people,' combining the Old English personal name Leofwine with 'tūn' (settlement). The name gained considerable recognition through Dr. David Livingstone, the famous 19th-century Scottish missionary and explorer of Africa. As a first name, Livingstone projects qualities of adventure, discovery, and humanitarian values. While uncommon as a given name, it appeals to parents drawn to its historical significance and substantial, distinguished character. The name carries connotations of intellect, courage, and pioneering spirit.
- Matheson
Description:
Matheson is a masculine name of Scottish origin, derived from 'Mac Mhathain,' meaning 'son of the bear' or 'son of Matthew.' Originally a surname common in the Scottish Highlands, particularly among clan members descended from the ancient Gaelic royalty of Scotland. As a first name, Matheson carries a distinguished, scholarly quality while maintaining rugged undertones through its animal-related meaning. The name has gained modest popularity as a first name in recent decades, particularly in English-speaking countries, as part of the trend toward using traditional surnames as given names. Matheson offers the familiar 'Math-' beginning with a distinctive ending, making it recognizable yet uncommon. The name projects strength, intelligence, and Scottish heritage.
- Lenox
Origin:
Variation of Lennox, ScottishMeaning:
"elm grove"Description:
Lennox is one of the hottest unisex names of recent years, and this spelling retains the appealing surname vibe and cool -x ending.
- Carrington
Origin:
English. Scottish surnameMeaning:
"from Carrington"Description:
Carrington is much more popular as a last name than a first, but it's one of those surnames we could see making the leap into first name territory. A few minor historical figures have carried the name, including Carrington T. Marshall, a judge at the Nuremberg Trials, and Carrington "C.B." Williams, an ecologist known for his studies on insect migration.