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Scottish boys names

  1. Boyd

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "blond"

    • Description:

      Has a bit of a hayseed image, and that oy sound is tough to work with.
  2. Kendrick

    • Origin:

      English, Welsh, Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "royal ruler, champion; home ruler"

    • Description:

      This punchy surname has some favor in the last couple of decades—potentially due to rapper Kendrick Lamar. It was one of the quickest rising boy names in 2013 when it reached its high point at #318. It has since declined in popularity, but as of 2024, it remains in the US Top 500 and in the UK Top 1000.
  3. Menzies

    • Origin:

      Scottish surname of Norman origin

    • Meaning:

      "to reside, abide"

    • Description:

      Traditionally pronounced "ming-iz" and thus the relationship to the jazzy Mingus, Menzies is an old Scottish surname related to the more common Manners.
  4. Thane

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "clan chieftain"

    • Description:

      This early Scottish title -- known to us via Shakespeare's Macbeth -- has recently surfaced as a baby name possibility, familiar sounding through its similarity to names like Zane and Wayne.
  5. Euan

    • Origin:

      Gaelic, Anglicized form of Eoghann

    • Meaning:

      "born of the yew tree"

    • Description:

      The attractive Euan and Ewan are just coming onto the U.S. radar, via actor Ewan MacGregor and Harry Potter's Euan Abercrombie.
  6. Arran

    • Origin:

      Scottish place name

    • Meaning:

      "ridged island"

    • Description:

      Arran Island (not to be confused with the Aran Islands in Ireland) is a large island in Scotland's Firth (or bay) of Clyde. An attractive name, long popular in Scotland, but may be confused with the Biblical Aaron elsewhere. Currently in the Scottish Top 100, it recently re-entered the charts in England and Wales too.
  7. Graeme

    • Origin:

      Scottish variation of Graham

    • Meaning:

      "gravelly homestead"

    • Description:

      An interesting vowel combination lightens up Graham.
  8. Carlyle

    • Origin:

      Variation of Carlisle, English

    • Meaning:

      "from the walled city"

    • Description:

      Carlisle is more popular than Carlyle for both genders, and in both spellings more widely used for boys than for girls. It's a name we see on the rise in either spelling.
  9. Nairn

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "river with alder trees"

    • Description:

      Scottish nature name that could prove a tongue- twister for the younger set.
  10. Forbes

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "field"

    • Description:

      Forbes is a business magazine in the U.S., long led by Malcolm Forbes, with a buttoned-down Brooks Brothers image. If you name your son Forbes, you're definitely implying a connection to the prominent and wealthy family -- which may be exactly what you're intending. But if you have a more down-to-earth image in mind, try Field.
  11. Tyree

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "from Tyrie"

    • Description:

      Hundreds of families have adopted this Scottish name, attracted by its trendy Ty beginning and upbeat second syllable. (Tyrell and Tyrese are also increasing in popularity. ) Tyree Glenn was a great jazz trombonist.
  12. Kelso

    • Origin:

      Scottish place and surname

    • Meaning:

      "chalk ridge, lime mountain"

    • Description:

      This name of a town in Scotland, one of the earliest recorded surnames in the whole British Isles, has more vitality than Kelsey. Distinctive in sound with a cool -o ending and a stylish K initial, it feels part Kayce, Kairo, and Kolson, part Carlisle, Cosmo, and Jago, with just a touch of Marlowe and Casper about it too.
  13. Ninian

    • Origin:

      Scottish and Irish, meaning unknown

    • Description:

      Ancient Irish saint's name that's unlikely, because of its similarity to "ninny," to join cousin Finian in popularity.
  14. Ballantine

    • Origin:

      Scottish surname

    • Meaning:

      "worship place"

    • Description:

      Best known to most as a brand of Whisky, Ballantine is a Scottish surname relating to the Celtic god Bal. It has potential as a off-the-beaten-track boys name that is still familiar. Ballantine is the brand name of a whiskey, a beer, and a publishing imprint.
  15. Erskine

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "from the high cliffs"

    • Description:

      Rarely used un-Gaelic-sounding Scottish name with literary associations to Erskine Caldwell, author of Tobacco Road and God's Little Acre.
  16. Halley

    • Origin:

      Scottish and English

    • Meaning:

      "hall or woodland clearing"

    • Description:

      While this has a distinguished male namesake -- astronomer Edmund Halley and his comet -- it still strays too close to the superpopular feminine Hailey family to work for some parents for a boy. Fewer than five baby boys were given the name last year, but that could change as formerly-female names become more acceptable for boys.
  17. Melville

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "settlement on infertile land"

    • Description:

      All names ending in ville are in nowheresville.
  18. Laird

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "lord of the land"

    • Description:

      Laird is a Scottish title for the landed gentry – it ranks just below a Baron – with a pleasantly distinctive Scottish burr that must have appealed to Sharon Stone, who chose it for her son.
  19. Arailt

    • Description:

      Arailt is a masculine name of Scottish Gaelic origin, representing a Gaelicized form of the Norse name Harald or Harold. The name carries significant historical weight, as it was borne by several Norse and Viking leaders throughout history. Etymologically, it combines elements meaning 'army' and 'ruler' or 'power,' reflecting the warrior culture of medieval Scandinavia. Arailt emerged through cultural exchange between Norse settlers and indigenous Gaelic populations in Scotland and Ireland. This rare name maintains a strong, distinctive sound that evokes ancient Celtic and Viking heritage. Quite uncommon in contemporary use, Arailt appeals to parents with Scottish Highland connections or those seeking a name with historical depth and uniqueness. The name projects qualities of leadership, strength, and noble heritage while remaining virtually unknown in mainstream naming practices.

  20. Philbin

    • Description:

      Philbin is a masculine name of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic 'Féilbhín' or 'Failbhe,' meaning 'wolf' or 'little wolf.' This surname-turned-first-name gained recognition in America largely through television personality Regis Philbin, who brought it to public attention during his long career in entertainment. While not commonly used as a first name, Philbin carries a distinctive sound and strong cultural connection to Irish heritage. It conveys qualities of loyalty, strength, and charisma. The name remains rare as a given name, making it a unique choice that stands out while still being recognizable, particularly among those familiar with Irish naming traditions or media personalities.