International Baby Names · Boy Names Lists
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 5 pages
of 5
Scottish
"mound of rocks"
In Scotland, a cairn is a heap of stones placed as a memorial or to support a beacon. This gives the name a rugged, timeless quality that is very appealing at present.
Scottish and Irish diminutive of Christopher
"bearer of Christ"
Kit and Topher are the Christopher nicknames du jour, thanks to actors Harington and Grace. But now that Chris is feeling less ubiquitous, this jaunty Scottish and Irish short form has a certain…
"dark stranger"
Heard in the Scottish highlands, and much more in tune with the present times than the dated Douglas — for which it could make a perfect tribute name. Dougal was the Scottish nickname for…
Variation of Dougal, Scottish
A Scottish variant of Dougal, Dugald is also a Harry Potter name. In fact, there are not one but two characters name Dugald in the Harry Potter books. Dugald McPhail is a former Minister of Magic and…
"brown"
Efficient feel.
"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 form of Christopher
"one who carries Christ"
Nearly unknown outside the British Isles, this old Scottish variation has a sleek surname feel that can make an excellent update of the flagging Christopher.
"someone who lived near wet ground"
When actress Deborah Kerr entered the scene, there was a great debate over her name's pronunciation. Car or Ker. Your choice.
Short form of Mackenzie, Scottish
"son of Kenneth"
Overwhelmingly feminine in the US, where parent name Mackenzie is wildly popular, but masculine in the UK, where Kenzie ranks among the Top 1000 names for baby boys.
English diminutive of Laurence
"from Laurentum or bay laurel"
A sweet and sophisticated nickname which feels fresh again after many years in style limbo. For literature lovers, it brings to mind Theodore "Laurie" Laurence from Louisa May Alcott's Little Women .…
"from the fjord"
Lively Scottish short form of Lochlan.
Scottish, variation of Menzies
"tenants of a manor"
Supermodel Helena Christensen named her son in honor of jazz great Charles Mingus, opening up a whole category of jazzy possibilities: Kenton, Calloway, Ellington, Gillespie, Mulligan, Tatum, and…
"mouth of the river Ro"
Takes Monroe out of the Dead Presidents category and gives it new life.
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…
Variation of Murdoch
This modern variation of Murdoch spruces up a Scottish surname that is indelibly linked with controversial media magnate Rupert Murdoch. Definitely one of the more unusual boy names starting with M…
Scottish and Irish, meaning unknown
Ancient Irish saint's name that's unlikely, because of its similarity to "ninny," to join cousin Finian in popularity.
"little saint"
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…
"river with alder trees"
Scottish nature name that could prove a tongue- twister for the younger set.
Roban is a masculine name with several potential origins. It may be a variation of Robin, which derives from the Germanic elements 'hrod' (fame) and 'berht' (bright). Alternatively, it could relate…
Rab is a masculine name with Scottish origins, traditionally used as a diminutive form of Robert. In Scotland, particularly in rural and Highland areas, Rab has long stood as an affectionate,…
