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Awesome Scottish Names

  1. Abi

    • Description:

      Abi is a charming diminutive of Abigail, with Hebrew origins meaning "father's joy" or "source of joy." It can also stand independently in some cultures, particularly in Nigerian traditions where it means "first daughter" in Yoruba. Though simple and short, Abi carries a friendly, approachable quality that makes it both playful and mature. While less common than the full form Abigail, Abi has seen modest usage in English-speaking countries as parents increasingly favor shorter, less formal names. Its simplicity allows for easy pronunciation across cultures while maintaining its connection to the biblical heritage of Abigail.

  2. Aidan

    • Origin:

      Irish

    • Meaning:

      "little and fiery"

    • Description:

      Aidan was originally a pet form of the Irish name Aodh (pronounced 'ee'), the name of the old Celtic god of the sun and fire. The name was borne by numerous early Irish saints, one of whom was noted for his kindness and generosity.
  3. Aileen

    • Origin:

      Irish variation of Helen

    • Meaning:

      "bright, shining light"

    • Description:

      Irish Aileen and Scottish Eileen may be pronounced the same way or Aileen can be pronounced with a long a at the beginning. While neither is particularly stylish, Aileen is slightly more popular and has reversed its downward slide to inch upward in the past few years, perhaps thanks to its stylish A beginning. Nicknames for Aileen include Isla, Ayla, Lee and Lena.
  4. Ainsley

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "one's own meadow"

    • Description:

      While theoretically unisex, this surname name has been edging up the girls’ names list, perhaps originally as an Ashley substitute. One quality in Ainsley's favor: It's remained steadily popular -- but not TOO popular -- for more than 20 years now, ranking consistently around Number 400. That makes it stylish and familiar without showing up everywhere.
  5. Allen

    • Origin:

      English and Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "handsome, cheerful"

    • Description:

      Allen is the spelling of this name -- other common spellings are Alan and Allan -- most associated with the surname; it might also be the most appropriate if you're trying to steer clear of Al as a nickname, as this can easily offer you Len or Lenny as options.
  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. Blair

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "dweller on the plain"

    • Description:

      In the USA, Blair is gaining momentum, rising quickly for the last 10 years and likely to continue to climb. In England and Wales, where Blair has political connotations – calling to mind former prime minister Tony Blair – it is much less common, although it is in use for boys in its native Scotland.
  8. Caitrìona

    • Description:

      Caitrìona is a feminine Scottish Gaelic form of Katherine, featuring the characteristic accent on the 'ì' that influences pronunciation. Derived ultimately from the Greek name Aikaterine, it carries meanings associated with 'pure' or 'clear.' In Scottish culture, Caitrìona has deep historical roots and remains a traditional choice that honors Gaelic heritage. The name gained some recognition through historical figures and characters in Scottish literature. While more common in Scotland and Ireland, Caitrìona remains relatively uncommon in other English-speaking countries, offering a distinctive option for parents seeking a name with Celtic roots and authentic cultural significance.
  9. Callum

    • Origin:

      Scottish form of Columba, Latin

    • Meaning:

      "dove"

    • Description:

      Callum, a charming Scottish name high on the list in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, is rising through the ranks in the US now too. And it comes complete with the easy nickname Cal.
  10. Cameron

    • Origin:

      Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "crooked nose"

    • Description:

      With its friendly, sensitive, and approachable feel, Cameron is a 90’s favorite that remains popular today. It has a pleasing balance of soft and strong sounds, and holds unisex appeal, thanks to Cameron Diaz. Still, eight times more boys than girls are named Cameron in the US.
  11. Carson

    • Origin:

      English and Scottish surname

    • Meaning:

      "son of the marsh dwellers"

    • Description:

      Carson is one of the most long-running popular androgynous baby names, with a dash of the Wild West via the legendary Missouri frontiersman Kit Carson. Dating back to when it was the name of Nancy Drew's Dad, Carson is still steadily in the Top 200 baby names.
  12. Catrina

    • Description:

      Catrina is a feminine name with Spanish and Latin roots. It's a variation of Katherine, which derives from the Greek name 'Aikaterine,' meaning 'pure.' Catrina has special cultural significance in Mexico, where 'La Catrina' is a iconic skeletal figure associated with the Day of the Dead celebrations, representing the elegance and attitude toward death in Mexican culture. The name gained some recognition in the United States during the late 20th century but remains relatively uncommon. Catrina carries an exotic, spirited quality while maintaining its classical roots, appealing to parents seeking a name with cultural depth and a melodic sound.

  13. Colin

    • Origin:

      English diminutive of Nicholas or Irish and Scottish

    • Meaning:

      "people of victory; pup"

    • Description:

      Thanks to its dashing Anglo-Irish image — due partly to Colins Firth and Farrell — and its C-initialed two-syllable sound, Colin and its cousin Collin have enjoyed a long run of popularity, reaching as high as Number 84 in 2004.
  14. Daividh
    • Effie

      • Origin:

        English diminutive of Euphemia, Greek

      • Meaning:

        "pleasant speech"

      • Description:

        Effie is the old-fashioned short form for Euphemia. It shares a vintage charm with Hattie and Letty although is much rarer than either. Effie is a character in The Hunger Games and Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.
    • Eithne

      • Origin:

        Gaelic

      • Meaning:

        "nut kernel"

      • Description:

        Pretty and soulful name of a goddess from Irish mythology and several Irish saints. Singer Enya, born Eithne Ní Bhraonáin, has made the Anglicized spelling familiar. Eithne comes from the vocabulary word "kernel", which was used as a term of praise in old bardic poetry.
    • Elspeth

      • Origin:

        Scottish variation of Elizabeth

      • Meaning:

        "pledged to God"

      • Description:

        Elspeth is one of those names that never quite made it out of the British Isles--particularly Scotland, but possesses a winningly childlike charm. Elspeth was used by Sir Walter Scott for several of his female characters.
    • 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.
    • Finley

      • Origin:

        Irish and Scottish

      • Meaning:

        "fair-haired hero"

      • Description:

        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.
    • Fiona

      • Origin:

        Scottish

      • Meaning:

        "white, fair"

      • Description:

        Fiona entered the American consciousness with the opening of the 1954 Broadway musical Brigadoon, but didn't come onto the U.S. popularity list until 1990.
    • Gavin

      • Origin:

        Celtic

      • Meaning:

        "white hawk"

      • Description:

        Gavin, a name with Scottish roots, has stepped into the spotlight, replacing the dated Kevin, thanks in part to pop-rock sensation Gavin DeGraw and Bush lead singer Gavin Rossdale.
    • Glenna

      • Origin:

        Irish

      • Meaning:

        "glen"

      • Description:

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

      • Origin:

        Scottish form of Gregory

      • Meaning:

        "vigilant, a watchman"

      • Description:

        Two prominent literary namesakes make Gregor a somewhat risky choice. On the highbrow side, there's Gregor Samsa, the Kafka character who woke up one day to find himself turned into a cockroach. And then there's Gregor Clegane, one of the most feared and purely evil characters in the world of Game of Thrones.
    • Ian

      • Origin:

        Scottish version of John

      • Meaning:

        "God is gracious"

      • Description:

        Ian is Scottish form of John, derived from the Hebrew name Yohanan. It is an Anglicization of the Scottish Gaelic Iain, which is also a viable spelling. Ian was introduced to Americans by Ian Fleming, creator of James Bond.
    • Isla

      • Origin:

        Scottish place-name or Spanish

      • Meaning:

        "island"

      • Description:

        Isla is a hit name throughout the English-speaking world but hasn't found the same popularity in other western countries, perhaps because its spelling and pronunciation don't make sense for those whose native language is not English. Think island without the final two letters.
    • Isobel

      • Origin:

        Scottish variation of Isabel

      • Meaning:

        "pledged to God"

      • Description:

        The Scottish spelling of Isabel has a definite character of her own, the 'o' giving her an extra infusion of strength but also an element of confusion. How do you pronounce that? Answer: Exactly like Isabel or Isabelle.
    • Jamie

      • Origin:

        Diminutive of James

      • Meaning:

        "supplanter"

      • Description:

        Jamie is typical of the relaxed unisex names starting with J that seemed so cool in the sixties after decades of Jeans and Joans, though now pretty tepid. Jaime and even Jamey and Jayme are alternate spellings.
    • Jessie

      • Origin:

        Anglicized form of Teasagh or diminutive of Jessica, Hebrew

      • Meaning:

        "behold or wealthy"

      • Description:

        Jessie has never been used as much as Jennie/Jenny, partly because it's a boys’ name as well (spelled Jesse), but it does have a friendly and unpretentious pioneer feel. In Scotland, it's found as an Anglicized form of Teasagh, itself a form of Jean, and is used as a full name. And in the rest of the world, Jessie may be short for Jessica or used on its own.
    • Keith

      • Origin:

        Scottish

      • Meaning:

        "wood"

      • Description:

        Strong but gentle, Keith is one of the Scottish surnames that, along with Douglas, Craig and Bruce, were considered the epitome of cool in the 1960s and early 1970s, when it was a Top 40 choice.
    • 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.
    • Kerr

      • Origin:

        Scottish

      • Meaning:

        "someone who lived near wet ground"

      • Description:

        When actress Deborah Kerr entered the scene, there was a great debate over her name's pronunciation. Car or Ker. Your choice.
    • Kirsty

      • Description:

        Kirsty is a feminine name of Scottish origin, serving as a diminutive form of Christina or Kirsten. Popular throughout the United Kingdom, particularly in Scotland, this charming name peaked in popularity during the 1970s and 1980s. Kirsty means 'follower of Christ' and carries a bright, spirited quality that balances traditional roots with a contemporary feel. The name has been borne by several notable figures including Scottish swimmers Kirsty Balfour and Kirsty Coventry, giving it athletic associations. While its usage has declined since its peak decades ago, Kirsty maintains a place as a recognizable yet not overly common name that embodies Scottish heritage. Its friendly sound and manageable spelling make it accessible across English-speaking countries.

    • Lindsay

      • Origin:

        English surname

      • Meaning:

        "marshlands of Lincolnshire"

      • Description:

        In the early eighties, Lindsay, in tandem with Courtney, approached the Top 10.
    • Logan

      • Origin:

        Scottish surname

      • Meaning:

        "little hollow"

      • Description:

        Logan, with its appealing Scottish burr, is a very hot boys' name—it's in the national Top 10 and heading for Number 1 in some states—and can also make a rich and resonant choice for a girl. Jason and Jordan Mewes have a daughter named Logan Lee.
    • 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.
    • Maisie

      • Origin:

        Scottish diminutive of Margaret or Mary

      • Meaning:

        "pearl or bitter"

      • Description:

        Maisie, a charming name long popular as a nickname for Margaret or Mary, entered the Top 1000 as itself ten years ago and continues to rise. Game of Thrones star Maisie Williams helped propel the name back into the limelight, along with the that of her character, Arya.
    • Malcolm

      • Origin:

        Scottish

      • Meaning:

        "devotee of St. Colomba"

      • Description:

        Malcolm is a warm and welcoming Scottish appellation (originally Mael-Colium) that fits into that golden circle of names that are distinctive but not at all odd. A royal name in Scotland, Malcolm is also a hero name for many via radical civil rights activist Malcolm X.
    • Malina

      • Origin:

        Feminine form of Malcolm or spelling variation of Melina or Polish, Bulgarian, Serbian

      • Meaning:

        "raspberry"

      • Description:

        Malina is a synthetic-feeling name that may be a feminization of the Scottish Malcolm or a spelling twist on the Greek Melina and that also has a fruit meaning in several Eastern European languages. For all that it's a little bit of lots of things, Malina doesn't feel very much like itself.
    • 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.
    • Marcas

      • Description:

        Marcas is a masculine name that represents a distinctive variation of Marcus or Mark, names with ancient Roman origins meaning 'dedicated to Mars' (the Roman god of war). This spelling variant has particular connections to Celtic traditions, especially in Ireland and Scotland, where it appears as an anglicized form of the Gaelic name. Marcas blends classical heritage with Celtic influence, offering a fresh alternative to the more common Marcus. The name carries connotations of strength and courage from its martial origins while its Celtic associations add a layer of cultural richness. Though relatively uncommon in mainstream usage, Marcas provides a recognizable yet distinctive option for parents seeking a name with historical depth and cross-cultural appeal.
    • Moira

      • Origin:

        Irish, variation of Mary

      • Meaning:

        "bitter; beloved; drop of the sea"

      • Description:

        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.
    • Màiri
      • Mìcheal
        • Neil

          • Origin:

            Irish

          • Meaning:

            "cloud"

          • Description:

            Always the top spelling of the name; Neil peaked in the 1950s, but then enjoyed a second coming following the fame of such Neils as astronaut Armstrong and singers Sedaka, Diamond, and Young. Now semiretired.
        • Peadar

          • Description:

            Peadar is the Irish Gaelic form of Peter, a masculine name with ancient roots. Derived ultimately from the Greek 'Petros' meaning 'stone' or 'rock,' Peadar carries the same powerful symbolism of steadfastness and reliability. In Irish culture, the name has been used for centuries and is pronounced approximately as 'PAD-er' or 'PAY-der.' Peadar reflects Ireland's rich linguistic heritage and offers a distinctive Celtic alternative to the more common Peter. While especially meaningful for those with Irish ancestry, the name has a melodic quality and unique spelling that might appeal to parents seeking something traditional yet uncommon. In Ireland, it connects to the country's strong Catholic tradition, as Peter was the first pope.
        • Pàdraig
          • Roderick

            • Origin:

              German

            • Meaning:

              "famous ruler"

            • Description:

              The aristocratic--if not haughty--Roderick was nevertheless consistently in the Top 1000, reaching as high as Number 221 in 1967, when it was not uncommon to run into a Rod or a Roddy. It's at a low point right now, but we can envision it being revived as a neglected, dignified grandpa name, perhaps when Rod is no longer a potentially embarrassing nickname..
          • Ranulf
            • Saundra

              • Description:

                Saundra is a feminine name that emerged as a variant spelling of Sandra, which itself is a shortened form of Alexandra. This name has Greek origins, ultimately derived from the Greek word "alexein" meaning "to defend" or "to help." Saundra gained modest popularity in the United States during the 1940s through the 1960s, reaching its peak usage in the mid-1950s. The distinctive spelling with 'u' gives the name a slightly more sophisticated or unique quality compared to the more common Sandra. While its usage has declined since the 1970s, Saundra maintains appeal among parents who appreciate vintage names or seek to honor family members. The name carries connotations of strength and dependability, reflecting its etymological roots.
            • Scott

              • Origin:

                English

              • Meaning:

                "from Scotland"

              • Description:

                A cool, windswept, surfer babe-magnet in 1965, a nice dad -- or even granddad -- today.
            • Scottie

              • Origin:

                Scottish

              • Meaning:

                "Scot"

              • Description:

                A sweet, slightly old-school nickname name with a cheerful image.
            • Sheena

              • Origin:

                Anglicization of Sine; Irish variation of Jane

              • Meaning:

                "God is gracious"

              • Description:

                Animated Gaelic name popularized by singer Sheena Easton, also brings to mind Sheena, Queen of the Jungle, the Amazonian comic book and TV series heroine. Sine is considered to be and English equivalent of Jane or Jean.
            • Sorcha

              • Origin:

                Irish

              • Meaning:

                "bright, shining"

              • Description:

                A popular Irish name virtually unknown here, but one that feels like it could follow in the footsteps of Siobhan and Saoirse. It's pronounced SOR-ka, but with a little hiccup between the 'r' and the 'c' that's difficult for non-Gaelic speakers to reproduce. Spelled (and pronounced) Sorsha, she is a major character in the movie Willow.
            • Steafan

              • Description:

                Steafan is a masculine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Stefan or Stephen, derived from the Greek name Stephanos meaning 'crown' or 'garland.' This alternative spelling gives a traditional name a distinctive twist while maintaining its historical significance. The name has deep roots in Christian tradition, as St. Stephen was the first Christian martyr. While the standard forms Stefan and Stephen are common across many European countries, the Steafan variant remains quite rare. The unique spelling might appeal to parents seeking a familiar name with an unconventional presentation. Despite its unusual orthography, the pronunciation likely remains similar to the more common versions.