Scottish and Irish Girl Names

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

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.

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 spelling is not truly unisex: Brynn, for boys, is not even in the Top 1000.

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.

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.

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 the most evenly-balanced and most popular unisex names around today.

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

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 names like Falon or Fallon. The Irish surname Fallon, from which it may derive, means 'leader' or 'superiority.' Falan has never been widely used, remaining absent from most popularity charts throughout recorded naming history. The name has a contemporary sound with its two-syllable structure and soft consonants, yet carries a subtle Celtic connection through its potential Irish roots. Its gender-neutral quality and modern feel make it appealing to parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible. The name combines uniqueness with straightforward pronunciation, balancing individuality and practicality.

This was a 100 percent boys’ name until celebs Jason Sehorn and Angie Harmon bestowed it on their daughter, followed by Lisa Marie Presley, who used it for one of her (female) twins. Finlay is also now among the most popular unisex names.

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 the late 20th century as parents sought more distinctive ways to spell familiar names. Though traditionally a female name in this form, Jaimie can occasionally be used as a unisex name. It offers a more playful and modern alternative to Jamie, while maintaining the friendly, approachable quality that makes it appealing. In the United States, Jaimie reached its peak popularity during the 1970s and 1980s but remains a recognizable choice for girls.

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 bearer is actress Keeley Hawes.

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 possibility for a little girl named to honor an Aunt Linda. Early pagans and Christians embraced the Linden as a holy tree, thought to aid healing and often planted near churches. The Linden is the mythological symbol of truth, peace, and justice; court cases and marriage ceremonies were often held beneath Linden trees. The Linden tree is associated with the goddess Freya.

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 Sweden and Norway, Linn has been particularly popular since the 1970s and 1980s. The name carries associations with nature and freshness. It's appreciated for its simplicity, brevity, and modern feel while maintaining traditional roots. In English-speaking countries, Linn may also be connected to the word 'linnet' (a small songbird) or associated with places like Linn County in various U.S. states. The name's straightforward pronunciation and spelling add to its appeal as a contemporary choice with historical depth.

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.

Maeve is a short and sweet name that has become one of the most stylish Irish names for girls in the modern US. Maeve would make an excellent first or middle name choice, with more heft than Mae/May and more modern charm than Mavis.

Quinn is one of the first popular Irish unisex surnames, a strong and attractive choice on the rise for girls but still popular for boys. Quinn was used for about 3000 baby girls and 700 boys in the US last year.

Like somewhat more popular twin sister Reagan, this vibrant last-name-first Irish choice makes a strong, straightforward option.

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.