Scottish girls' names

  1. Lorna
    • Origin:

      English literary name
    • Description:

      One of those names like Pamela, Vanessa and Wendy, Lorna was invented for a particular literary character--the protagonist of the 1869 novel Lorna Doone by R. D. Blackmore--and then perpetuated as the name of a shortbread cookie. The author claimed to have based it on the Scottish place-name, Lorn. In baby name limbo for quite some time, it was chosen by Judy Garland for her younger daughter, Lorna Luft. Lorna Simpson is an important contemporary American artist.
  2. Yvaine
    • Origin:

      Female variation of Yvain or Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "evening star"
    • Description:

      A mix of Yvonne and Elaine, Yvaine was first noticed in the Neil Gaiman fantasy novel and then movie Stardust, in which Claire Danes played the 'fallen star' Yvaine. This In all its forms, one of the most classic Scottish names for girls is now attracting namer attention--just as that other Gaiman-inspired name, Coraline, did. Yvaine has a definite romantic, medieval charm. A small segment of namers are definitely taking notice.
  3. Eilidh
    • Origin:

      Gaelic form of Eleanor
    • Description:

      Long popular in Scotland, this attractive name is strictly-speaking the Gaelic version of Eleanor, but is also often considered part of the Helen family of names. After the Normans introduced it into the British Isles, it was transformed into Aileen or Evelyn. It has rarely been heard in the US, but it is slowly starting to be used here too.
  4. Iona
    • Origin:

      Scottish place-name
    • Description:

      This name of a small island off the coast of Scotland is trending upwards along with other I names.
  5. Muriel
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "of the bright sea"
    • Description:

      Once a poetic Celtic name, that of the angel who governs the month of June, Muriel became the mom or grandma on TV sitcoms. A Top 200 name from 1912 to 1933, Muriel may be due for a comeback according to our Hundred Year Rule. Only 50 baby girls were given the name in the US last year, and none were given Muriel's French variation, Murielle.
  6. Fenella
    • Origin:

      Celtic
    • Meaning:

      "white-shouldered one"
    • Description:

      More unusual than Fiona and more user-friendly than Fionnuala, the engaging Scottish Fenella, has been scarcely heard in this country.
  7. Mirren
    • Origin:

      Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
    • Description:

      Mirren is a lively and attractive Scottish name, popular in its native country but best known outside Scotland as the surname of the English actor Dame Helen Mirren. It is thought to be a Scottish derivative of the name Marion, from Mary.
  8. Una
    • Origin:

      Latin, Irish, or Old Norse
    • Meaning:

      "one; lamb; happy"
    • Description:

      In an epic poem, the personification of truth, beauty, and unity; this ancient name is popular in several European countries but less common in the US. The Oona spelling is slightly more popular but Una sleeker.
  9. Brenda
    • Origin:

      Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "blade of a sword"
    • Description:

      First the heroine of Sir Walter Scott's 1822 novel The Pirate, then a glamorous 1940s debutante, then the troubled twin on Beverly Hills 90210, and now fading in favor of more modern Brenna, Briana, and Bryn. Much more likely to be worn by a mother or grandmother these days. The song "Brenda's Got a Baby" was late rap megastar Tupac's debut single.
  10. Mairi
    • Origin:

      Scottish variation of Mary
    • Meaning:

      "bitter"
    • Description:

      Why does Mairi (rhymes with Harry) seem so much cooler than Mary? This Irish form of Mary was not used before the seventeenth century, as it was considered too sacred. The vocative case of the name, Mhairi (pronounced VAH-ree), is also used as a given name in Scotland.
  11. Vevina
    • Origin:

      Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "sweet lady"
    • Description:

      This unusual name found in Scottish poetry would make a distinctive Gaelic pick.
  12. Kenna
    • Origin:

      Scottish, feminine form of Kenneth
    • Description:

      Kenna is the Scottish version of Kendra, both of which are feminine versions of Kenneth. Used in the TV show Reign for one of the supporting characters.
  13. Bethan
    • Origin:

      Welsh diminutive of Elizabeth, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "pledged to God"
    • Description:

      Very popular in Wales, this perfectly nice name's only problem is its similarity to the dated Beth Ann. But if you're looking to honor an ancestral Elizabeth with a distinctive rare choice, Bethan might be on your short list.
  14. Aurla
    • Description:

      Aurla is a rare feminine name with Celtic origins, possibly related to the Irish name Órla or Órfhlaith, meaning 'golden princess' or 'golden lady.' It may also be connected to Latin-based names associated with 'aurum' (gold), such as Aurelia or Aurora. This uncommon name has a mystical, ethereal quality enhanced by its melodic sound. Despite its rarity in contemporary usage, Aurla carries an ancient dignity and evokes images of golden light and nobility. The name's brevity coupled with its flowing pronunciation gives it a distinctive charm that balances uniqueness with accessibility. For those seeking a name with Celtic heritage and an elegant sound, Aurla offers a beautiful and unusual choice.
  15. Osla
    • Origin:

      Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "God consecrated"
    • Description:

      This name originally comes from the wild and remote Shetland Islands, ultimately borrowed the Icelandic Ásla and Norse Aslaug, meaning "God consecrated" or "God promised", though it has been alternatively Angclized as Ursula ("little bear"). Although it bears a lot of similarities to popular Isla, Ella, and Elsa, and to the more recently stylish Ozzie, it remains nearly completely unknown.
  16. Nairne
    • Origin:

      Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "river with alder trees"
    • Description:

      A name with a pleasing nature meaning, a surname style, and pleasant Scottish burr. Reminiscent of Mare, Raine, and Blair, it is as yet undiscovered as a first name.
  17. Shona
    • Origin:

      Scottish Gaelic
    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"
    • Description:

      Anglicized form of Seònaid, the Scottish Gaelic equivalent of Janet. It has historically been quite popular in Scotland, although it hasn't ranked in the Top 100 there since 1995.
  18. Malvina
    • Origin:

      Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "smooth-browed one"
    • Description:

      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 spelling is Malwina, and it's also had some use in other Eastern European countries.
  19. Lileas
    • Origin:

      Scottish variation of Lily
    • Description:

      Adds some thorns to the smooth texture of Lily.
  20. Glenna
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "glen"
    • Description:

      Honoring a male relative. Be bold and go with Glenn.

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