Scottish Girl Names

Although it is sometimes cited as the Gaelic equivalent of English Margery or Marjorie ("pearl"), Marsaili in fact derives from the name of the Roman god of war, Mars, via the related name Marcella. It has been used in Scotland since at least the early 15th century, and is encountered in a number of variant spellings, including Marsali, Mharsaili and Marsailidh. The Marsali spelling was used by American author Diana Gabaldon for a minor character in her "Outlander" series of historical novels, set in 18th century Scotland. One of the most unique and authentic Scottish names for girls.

Both Caitriona and Catriona are commonly heard in Scotland and Ireland. The name was brought to Ireland by the Anglo-Normans, and is the source of nicknames Cait, Caitin, Caitlin and Triona. Actress Caitrona Balfe has gained recognition for her role on Outlander. Pronunciation is like Katrina.

An unusual flower name deriving from the Latin word for lily (lilium), this variant has always been popular in Scotland.

Why does Mairi, pronounced MAW-re, seem so much cooler than Mary? This Irish form of Mary was not used before the seventeenth century, as it was considered too sacred. Some of its Anglicized forms include Moira, Maura and Maurya.

Islay is the name of a Hebridian island famous for its whisky. Don't be fooled by the "y" at the end - this name is pronounced exactly like the more well-known Isla.

Kenzie freshens up Mackenzie.

The name of a small, inhabited Shetland island in Scotland makes one of the unique Scottish names for girls. While it’s an uncommon name internationally, it's also a traditional girls’ name in its native country, where it ranks in the top 400 (though that still equates to fewer than 10 babies born in any given year).

Presidential name that makes a fresh substitute for MacKenzie or McKenna. Possible spelling variations include MacKinley, MacKinlee, Makinleigh ad almost infinitum. McKinley is one of the Scottish names for girls that can work equally well for boys.

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 edge. In 2020, Rona was given to 17 baby girls (a fall from 26 the previous year). In 2021, it dropped to just 5 — we expect it to drop off the list entirely in the years to come.

This unusual name found in Scottish poetry would make a distinctive Gaelic pick.

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".

This undiscovered unisex name has lots of flair. It was first noticed as a girl's name, starting in the 1980's, on the long-running daytime drama Search for Tomorrow, with the character Adair McCleary, who had ahead-of-their-time brothers named brothers Hogan, Cagney and Quinn. But since Adair has yet to find many takers, it would make a fresh and appealing choice.

A bright and breezy Scottish name which is little known outside its native land.

Technically the vocative case of Màiri (the Scottish Gaelic form of Mary), Mhairi/Mhàiri has nevertheless become established as a given name in its own right. Although some bearers choose to anglicize the pronunciation, the "Mh" in Scottish Gaelic is correctly pronounced with a "V" sound.

Fifer is a musical name that fits in seamlessly with the likes of Harper and Piper, but is much more unusual. It's also a Scottish demonym, referring to an inhabitant of the historic Scottish county of Fife.

Though it's used far more often for boys, Lyle has a lot in common with today's trending girl names that share the double L sound: Lila, Layla, and Lola.

Traditionally a male name, Leith now can make a highly unusual, strong but soft, and intriguing girls' possibility.