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Scottish Last Names

  1. Holliday

    • Description:

      Holliday is a feminine given name derived from the English surname meaning 'one who dwells near a holy day.' Originally a surname used to identify someone who was born during a religious festival or holiday, it has transitioned into occasional use as a first name. The spelling with two 'l's adds a distinctive touch compared to the standard 'Holiday' form. This name carries a naturally festive, joyful association and conveys a sense of celebration. Though relatively uncommon as a first name, it gained some recognition through connections to the historical figure Doc Holliday. It appeals to parents seeking an uncommon name with positive, uplifting connotations.
  2. Mcafee

    • Origin:

      Irish and Scottish surname

    • Meaning:

      "son of Duibhshíth"

    • Description:

      Ryan Murphy used the name McAfee on a supporting character in his TV series The Politician, which introduced it as a usable baby name.
  3. Crockett

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "large curl"

    • Description:

      Though Davy Crockett is a childhood hero, a frontiersman, soldier, politician, congressman and prolific storyteller. But be aware that "crock" is American slang for a lot of nonsense or something broken.
  4. Scot

    • Description:

      Scot is a masculine name with clear geographic origins, directly referring to a person from Scotland. Derived from the Latin 'Scotus,' meaning 'Scottish,' this concise name carries strong cultural associations with Scottish heritage and identity. As a given name, Scot gained modest popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in America, often chosen by families with Scottish ancestry. The single-t spelling distinguishes it slightly from the more common 'Scott,' giving it a more direct connection to its ethnic origins. While never reaching the widespread popularity of Scott, Scot offers a straightforward option for parents seeking a simple, recognizable name with clear cultural roots. Its brevity and strong consonant sounds give it a distinctly masculine character.
  5. Mckay

    • Origin:

      English variation of Mckayla, Gaelic

    • Meaning:

      "who is like God; son of Aodh"

    • Description:

      McKay is the Anglicized form of Mac Aodha, meaning "son of Aodh" in Gaelic. Aodh is the origin of names such as Aidan and Hugh, making McKay a subtle way to honor people with those names.

      Alternatively, the name might be a variation of Mckayla, Michaela, and similar, making it a form of Michael, or, it could be translated as "song of Kay".
  6. Albany

    • Origin:

      Scottish place name

    • Description:

      Not yet on the place-name map, this name has Shakespearean ties via the Duke Of Albany character in King Lear.
  7. Mccartney

    • Origin:

      Scottish surname

    • Meaning:

      "son of Artan"

    • Description:

      McCartney is a widely familiar surname that is infrequently given as a first name. It first appeared on the charts for girls in 1996 but has never been given to more than 21 baby girls in a single year. McCartney meets our definition of a unisex name, although it used more often for girls.
  8. Wood

    • Origin:

      English word name

    • Description:

      Actor Wood Harris, best known for his role as Avon Barksdale in The Wire, brought this one into the lexicon. Wood is Harris's nickname -- his real name is Sherwin David -- but it's the name he's exclusively known by. And it fits right in with the current hot trend for woodsy names for boys.
  9. Paterson

    • Origin:

      English

    • Meaning:

      "son of Peter"

    • Description:

      Paterson is a surname-name to continue a line of Peters and also the name of a city in New Jersey, hometown of poets William Carlos Williams and Allen Ginsberg.
  10. Chalmers

    • Description:

      Chalmers is a distinguished masculine name of Scottish origin, derived from the Old Scottish word 'chaumer,' meaning 'chamber' or 'room.' Historically, it was an occupational surname for someone who worked in the royal chambers or was a chamberlain. As a first name, Chalmers projects dignity, intelligence, and a scholarly quality, perhaps influenced by the prestigious Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden. The name carries a refined, traditional sensibility with subtle sophistication. While never extremely common as a first name, it has maintained consistent, if modest, usage particularly in families with Scottish heritage. Chalmers brings to mind accomplished professionals and academics, offering a distinguished alternative to more common traditional names.

  11. Mclean

    • Description:

      McLean is a masculine name derived from the Scottish Gaelic surname Mac Gille Eáin, meaning 'son of the servant of John.' As a first name, it represents the trend of using ancestral surnames as given names, which became increasingly popular from the late 20th century onward. McLean carries strong Scottish heritage connections and projects an intellectual, distinguished quality—possibly influenced by associations with prestigious institutions like McLean Hospital and McLean County in various states. The name remains relatively rare as a first name but has steady usage in families with Scottish ancestry or those appreciating its refined sound. It offers the friendly nickname 'Mac' while maintaining a sophisticated full form. McLean bridges traditional naming conventions with modern surname-as-first-name styling in an understated, elegant way.

  12. Macalester

    • Origin:

      Variation of Macallister, Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "son of Alasdair"

    • Description:

      This Macallister variation is strongly associted with Macalester College in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Unless it's your alma mater, it might be wise to stick with the original.
  13. Conn

    • Description:

      Conn is a masculine name with ancient Irish origins, derived from the Gaelic word 'conn' meaning 'wisdom' or 'chief.' In Irish mythology and history, Conn of the Hundred Battles was a legendary High King of Ireland. The name's brevity gives it a strong, direct quality while its history provides substantial cultural depth. Though uncommon in modern usage outside of Ireland, Conn has maintained a presence in Irish families and among those with Irish heritage. The name's simplicity makes it easy to pronounce and remember, while its historical significance gives it gravitas. Conn offers an authentic connection to Irish heritage in a concise, powerful form that contrasts with longer Celtic names.
  14. Jamieson

    • Origin:

      Scottish surname, son of Jamie

    • Description:

      Though this spelling is not seen too often in the US, it is a common surname spelling in the land of kilts.
  15. Macewen

    • Description:

      Macewen is a masculine name derived from the Scottish surname MacEwen or MacEwan. This patronymic surname originates from Gaelic elements 'mac' meaning 'son of' and 'Eoghan' (Owen), which means 'youth' or 'well-born.' As a first name, Macewen preserves Scottish heritage while offering a distinctive alternative to more common Celtic-derived names. The name carries associations with Scottish clan history, particularly the MacEwen clan from Argyll and Galloway regions. While rare as a first name, Macewen fits within the trend of using traditional surnames as given names. It offers a strong, masculine sound with historical depth, appealing to parents seeking names with authentic Celtic roots and uncommon status.
  16. Mccartney

    • Origin:

      Scottish surname

    • Meaning:

      "son of Artan"

    • Description:

      This highly recognizable surname means "son of Artan," an Irish derivative of the name Art. It's most closely tied to Beatle Paul McCartney — we'd be willing to bet that some of the parents who give this name to their children each year are fans.
  17. Macean

    • Description:

      Macean is a modern masculine name that appears to be a creative variation of names like Macen, Mason, or possibly a blend of Mac/Mc (meaning 'son of') and Sean. The distinctive spelling gives this name a contemporary feel while maintaining familiar sounds. Macean is quite rare, appealing to parents seeking an uncommon name with recognizable elements. The name has a strong, masculine quality with Celtic undertones, particularly if interpreted as a combination of Mac and Sean. It emerged in usage primarily in the 21st century as part of the trend toward creating unique variants of popular names. Macean offers the benefit of being distinctive while still relatively intuitive in pronunciation.

  18. Daye

    • Description:

      Daye is a versatile masculine name with multiple potential origins. It may derive from the Old English word for "day," symbolizing light and new beginnings. Alternatively, it could be an anglicized form of the Gaelic name Daibhidh (David), meaning "beloved." In some cases, it represents a modernized spelling of the surname Day. As a given name, Daye has maintained low but consistent usage, appealing to parents seeking short, distinctive names with positive connotations. The name carries associations with brightness, optimism, and fresh starts through its connection to daylight. Its simplicity and positive meaning, combined with its relative rarity, make Daye an uncommon yet accessible choice with cross-cultural appeal.
  19. Hutchings

    • Origin:

      Scottish surname, related to HUGH

    • Meaning:

      "mind, intellect"

    • Description:

      Hutchings, rarely heard as a first name, is a semi-patronymic denoting 'son of Hugh'. What it's got going for it is cute nickname Hutch, a cousin of Hitch and Huck.
  20. Doone

    • Origin:

      Scottish surname

    • Meaning:

      "hill, mountain"

    • Description:

      Evocative of the sand dunes at the beach, Doone is a relatively rare surname found in Scotland, Ireland and England. It was recently used with this spelling by Olympic medalist Amanda Beard; photographer Diane Arbus named her daughter Doon, inspired, yes, by walks along the sand dunes during her pregnancy.