City Names - Scotland and Ireland

This undiscovered Scottish port city name has a nice, upbeat feel and lots of good nickname possibilities.

Can't help thinking of a donkey.

Cashel is one of the many appealing Irish names that have not yet emigrated to the US. Cashel was chosen by actor Daniel Day-Lewis and his writer-director wife Rebecca Miller for their son.

Buoyant but lightweight.

With the fashions for tree names, place names, and nickname names, Derry is a three-way winner.

With Galway and Ireland in play as names (not to mention Shannon and Kerry), there's no reason this one can't work, too.

A city and river in Scotland; this is upbeat and cheery, but doesn't seem that appropriate as a name.

Elgin is a masculine name with Scottish origins, derived from a place name in Moray, Scotland. The etymology likely stems from Gaelic, possibly meaning 'noble' or 'high-spirited.' Historically, Elgin gained recognition through the prestigious Elgin Marbles and the distinguished Elgin watches, lending the name associations with quality and heritage. As a personal name, Elgin saw modest popularity in the United States during the early 20th century, peaking between 1890-1930. While never extremely common, it has maintained steady if limited usage, appreciated for its distinguished sound and Scottish connections. The name carries a refined, somewhat aristocratic quality while remaining accessible, appealing to parents seeking a name with historical depth and a touch of uniqueness.

An appealing Irish placename with a unisex feel, Ennis would be a fresh alternative to Dennis and Ellis. It's little-used for boys and even rarer for girls, but since Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons used it for their son, it could be one to watch.

Associated with the poet and novelist Galway Kinnell, this name of an Irish city, county, and bay would make an evocative choice. For further literary cred, writers Liam O'Flaherty and Frank Harris both hail from Galway.

An undiscovered place-name with an appealing o-sound ending.

Irvine is a masculine name derived from a Scottish place name and surname, ultimately from Celtic origins meaning 'green water' or 'fresh water,' referring to the River Irvine in Ayrshire, Scotland. As a first name, Irvine gained modest popularity in the early 20th century, particularly in Scottish communities and among those with Scottish heritage. Notable bearers include American author Irvine Welsh and basketball hall-of-famer Irvine Clifton Turner, lending the name cultural resonance. Though never reaching mainstream popularity, Irvine maintains appeal as a distinguished name with clear geographic roots. It offers parents a distinctive option with authentic Scottish heritage while avoiding the more common Celtic names. The name carries connotations of natural beauty and freshness through its water-related meaning.

This is an unusual surname and geographical name of medieval Scottish origin that might serve as a possible alternative to the aging Keith, though it's a bit tough on the tongue. More popularly spelt Laith in Scotland itself, which happens to correspond to an Arabic name meaning 'lion'.

A limerick is an often humorous form of poetry with five lines (the last of which is the punchline). Limerick could be a fun choice for families with Irish heritage or a good sense of humor.

When Matthew McConaughey and wife Camila Alves chose the old English surname and place name Livingston for their third child, they elevated it from half of a Stanley & Livingston joke to a modern possibility. Kind of. The only other well-known bearer of the name in the contemporary world is singer Livingston Taylor, brother of James, who is called Liv. Given that little Livingston McConaughey's older brother is named Levi, that uplifting nickname may be too close, though his parents apparently like its sound. An original choice.

Well-established Irish and Scottish name that has never really caught on across the pond. Remembered by an older generation as the beautiful red-haired ballerina in the film The Red Shoes, Moira Shearer.

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

For a name related to a Scottish town, a patterned Indian fabric, and a country singer named Brad, Paisley has seen remarkable success. After appearing, seemingly out of nowhere, it is now an American favorite.

There's a Perth in Scotland and a bigger one in Australia; this name could make a statement similar to Heath.

Irish place-name -- it's a river, a town, and an airport -- once popular but now supplanted by such newer immigrants as Saoirse and Seanan.