Scottish and Irish Girl Names

Maeve

Irish

"she who intoxicates"

Maeve is a short and sweet name that has become one of the most stylish Irish names for girls in the modern US. It joined the Top 100 for the first time in 2023 and now ranks at Number 75. Maeve…

Quinn

Irish

"descendant of Conn, chief leader, intelligence"

Quinn is one of the most popular Irish unisex surnames out there, a strong and attractive choice on the rise for girls but still popular for boys. A recent year saw it used for nearly 2690 girls…

Charlie

English diminutive of Charles or Charlotte, French from German

"free man"

Charlie is a friendly, boyish nickname name now used slightly more frequently for girls than boys, with over 2200 baby girls named Charlie last year versus about 2100 boys. That makes Charlie one of…

Aubrey

English from French version of German Alberic

"elf ruler"

Almost like a fusion between vintage Audrey, bubbly Ruby, and unisex Avery, Aubrey has been a popular choice for girls since the mid 2000’s. Once an exclusively masculine name, Aubrey tipped towards…

Brynn

Spelling variation of Bryn, Welsh

"hill"

Brynn outshines the original Welsh Bryn in the popularity stakes. This simple, brisk name might be seen as a combination of Bree and Lynn, an androgynous-sounding choice that especially in this…

Finley

Irish and Scottish

"fair-haired hero"

This was Irish name was once used exclusively for boys, and remains so in England and Wales where it's a Top 50 choice. In the US, however, celebs Jason Sehorn, Angie Harmon, and Lisa Marie Presley…

Cassidy

Irish

"curly-haired"

Has fallen off its Kathie Lee Gifford inspired peak in the 1990s, but since that notably celebrity baby is now a grownup and out of the limelight, Cassidy may once again reclaim its own Irish charm.

Rubie

Rubie is a charming variation of Ruby, which derives from the Latin word "ruber," meaning "red" - referencing the precious gemstone. This spelling with an 'ie' ending gives the classic name a…

Deryn

Welsh

"bird"

This 1950s Welsh bird name sounds less dated than our fifties Robin.

Anwen

Welsh

"very fair, beautiful"

Anwen is one of the simplest and best of the classic Welsh girls' names, more unusual than Bronwen but with the same serene feel.

Cady

English, diminutive and surname

Cady is one of those names that sounds popular but is actually rare in this form, given to only a few dozen baby girls in the US last year. Its origins are unclear, and as many possible meanings and…

Jaimie

Jaimie is a feminine variation of James, which ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Jacob (Yaakov), meaning 'supplanter' or 'one who follows.' This charming spelling variant gained popularity in…

Keeley

Irish

"slender"

Keeley is well-used in modern Ireland, also found as Keely and Keela. The boys' form is Keelan. Largely unknown in the US, this could make an interesting update for Kelly or Kaylie or Kylie. A famous…

Linden

English tree name

"tree of the genus Tilla"

Though this name of a sturdy tree that can live for centuries was quite popular for boys in the first half of the twentieth century, at this point in time we can see Linden as a fresh-sounding…

Linn

Linn is a feminine name with Scandinavian and German origins. It can be derived from the Old Norse element 'lind' meaning 'lime tree' or considered a short form of names like Linda or Caroline. In…

Loren

English spelling variation of Lauren, Latin

"from Laurentum or bay laurel"

The spelling Loren turns Lauren or its male form Laurence into a gender-neutral name. Last year 75 baby girls were named Loren in the US vs. 60 baby boys, making this name a good nonbinary choice. On…

Regan

Irish

"little king"

Like somewhat more popular twin sister Reagan, this vibrant last-name-first Irish choice makes a strong, straightforward option. She does have a couple of downsides though. Regan entered the girls'…

Rian

Irish

"little king"

As Ryan quickly becomes a plausible option for a girl, some parents may be interested in the spelling Rian — the more authentic and original form of the name.

Falan

Falan is an uncommon unisex name that appears more frequently as a feminine choice. Its origins are somewhat obscure, potentially derived from Irish surnames or representing a variant spelling of…