International Baby Names
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 8 pages
of 8
Scottish spelling variation of Rhona; Norwegian; Hebrew
"might; song"
Rona ranked in the US Top 1000 in the mid-20th century but holds new meaning in the 2020s. "Rona" has become slang for coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, which gives the name a dark and somber…
Scottish
"Scottish island name"
Possibly started life as a short form of Rhonwen, but most likely derives from the name of the Hebridean island Rona, which means "rough island".
"friendly man"
Farquhar has a great meaning, but unfortunate potential for mispronunciation. It was originally a given name in the Scottish highlands, but is more commonly known today as a surname. It's…
Scottish place name, German, French
"path; small shrill flute"
Also spelled Fyfe, this zippy sounding name would make a great middle name choice for music lovers or those with Scottish roots. The name has a double meaning: it is both a Scottish place name,…
"place name"
Variant spelling of Fife, borne by English musician Fyfe Dangerfield and Scottish journalist and reporter Fyfe Robertson.
Muireall is a feminine Scottish Gaelic name with ancient Celtic roots. It derives from the Gaelic elements "muir" meaning "sea" and a diminutive suffix, essentially translating to "sea-bright" or…
Gaelic
"fair stranger"
Originally a nickname for Viking invaders, it gained fresh impetus in the 18th century when James Macpherson made Fingal the central character in his Ossianic poems. An offbeat addition to the Fin-…
Scottish, poetic place-name
"the big gap"
In the Ossianic poems written by James Macpherson in the 1760s, Morven is the name of the Fingal's kingdom, Fingal being the hero, likely inspired by Fionn mac Cumhaill of early Gaelic legend. It…
"bishop's servant"
Sometimes heard as a first name in Scotland, particularly among the Campbell clan.
"smooth-browed one"
An invention of the eighteenth-century romantic poet James Macpherson, in his epic cycle about Ossian, a legendary Celtic hero. In Poland, where it was popular at the start of the 20th century, the…
"from the river island"
Innis is the name of an island (and Gaelic word for island) which became a Scottish surname and clan name before being used as a first. It hasn't been heard much in the U.S., but could attract more…
Scottish variation of Lily
Adds some thorns to the smooth texture of Lily.
Feminine variation of James
"supplanter"
More grown up than Jamie, but never given to more than 13 baby girls in the US per year (and that back in 1968). Modern parents prefer Jamie, Jameson or even James itself, as Blake and Ryan Reynolds…
Possible variation of Esme
"esteemed, beloved"
The rise of the the various Isabel names may give a boost to this variation, which has a sunny, springtime feel. Although this name has been around since the thirteenth century, its origins remain…
Iseabail is the Scottish Gaelic form of Isabel, which ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Elizabeth (Elisheva), meaning "God is my oath" or "God's promise." This melodic name has been used in…
Ishbel is a traditional Scottish feminine name derived from the Gaelic form of Isabel or Isabella. With roots in Hebrew, its ultimate meaning connects to 'God is my oath' or 'pledged to God.'…
Irish
"white shoulders"
Finola, the readily accessible version of some of the more problematic Gaelic versions of the name, would make a welcome addition to the stockpot of Irish girls' names.
Celtic
"white-shouldered one"
More unusual than Fiona and more user-friendly than Fionnuala, the engaging Scottish Fenella, has been scarcely heard in this country. Fenella first became known outside of Ireland when Sir Walter…
"dweller near the moor"
A common family name in Scotland, occasionally used as a first.
Scottish nickname
"my pet"
Mungo is one of the most classic Scottish names but perhaps also among the most difficult names to carry. There is a St. Mungo whose proper name was Kentigern; he is the patron saint of Glasgow. It…
