Scottish Names

Male Names
  • Aidan (Gaelic) - Little fire [English and Gaelic speaking countries]

    Anglicized form of Aodhán. When combined with variants like Aiden, Ayden, Aydan, and Aden, Aidan was the most popular name for boys in the U.S. in 2006.

    St Aidan was the founder of the monastery of Lindisfarne in north England. He is credit

  • Aiden (Gaelic) - Little fire [English speaking countries]

    A modern respelling of Aidan. May also be a variant of Eden. When combined with variants like Ayden, Aydan, and Aden, Aiden was the most popular name for boys in the U.S. in 2006.

  • Alan (Gaelic) - Rock [English speaking countries]

    The name Alan is of Celtic origin and was introduced to the English by the Breton followers of William the Conqueror. The exact meaning of the name is not entirely known although "rock" seems to be the most probable. There are many variations of this name

  • Alec (Greek) - Defending men [English speaking countries]

    Diminutive of Alexander, originally popular in Scotland.

    Bearers include former British Prime Minister Alec Douglas-Home, and actors Alec Guinness and Alec Baldwin.

    Alec Stoke-d'Urberville is one of the main characters in Tho

  • Andrew (Greek) - Man, warrior [English speaking countries]

    Andrew was a disciple of Jesus and of John the Baptist, who it is said was martyred by being crucified on a cross in the shape of an "X". He became a saint. This symbol is now referred to as Saint Andrew's cross. Andrew was the brother of Peter.

  • Angus (Gaelic) - One choice [English speaking countries]

    Angus is the anglicized form of the Scottish and Irish Gaelic name Aonghus. It is both a first name and surname.

  • Brodie (Gaelic) - Muddy place [English speaking countries]
  • Bruce (English) - N/A [English speaking countries]
  • Bryce (French) - Dappled; freckled [English speaking countries]
  • Bryden (Gaelic) - N/A [English speaking countries]

    This is a traditional Scottish surname, sometimes also found as Bryden or Briden. In the latest trend of finding names that end with the "den" or "dan" suffix, this surname has been brought to light and become trendy as a first name. The meaning of the s

  • Caleb (Hebrew) - Dog; Heart [English and Hebrew speaking countries]

    In the Old Testament, Caleb and Joshua were among the Israelites who left Egypt for Canaan with Moses. They were the only two who lived to see the promised land. Caleb is sometimes translated as "faithful" or "loyal," probably because a dog displays the

  • Callum (Latin) - Dove [English speaking countries]

    Callum was the 13th most popular boy's name in the UK in 2006, but is extremely rare in the US.

  • Calum (Latin) - Dove [English speaking countries]
  • Campbell (Gaelic) - Crooked mouth [English speaking countries]

    The surname of a Scottish clan now also used as a first name. The meaning is unsure, but the name is often taken to be derived from 'cam' (crooked) and 'beul' (mouth).

  • Carson (Gaelic) - N/A [English speaking countries]

    Many Western U.S. cities and towns are called "Carson" after American explorer and frontiersman Kit Carson.

  • Clyde (Gaelic) - N/A [English speaking countries]

    A river in Scotland. The Gaelic name is Cluaidh.

    It may mean "warm" as in Welsh clyd, "snug", or perhaps it has the more appropriate meaning of "powerful enough to be heard from a distance".

  • Colin (Gaelic) - Dove [English speaking countries]

    Colin may also have originated as a nickname for Nicholas. Famous bearers include former US Secretary of State Colin Powell, golfer Colin Montgomerie and actors Colin Baker, Colin Farrell and Colin Firth.

    The name is particularly popular o

  • Collin (Gaelic) - Dove [English speaking countries]
  • Constantine (Latin) - Steadfast [English speaking countries]
  • Craig (Gaelic) - Cliff; rock [English speaking countries]

    A craig or a crag is a rocky hill or mountain. A crag and tail formation is formed when a glacier passes over resilient rock (usually of the igneous kind - granite, for example) which cannot be eroded. The rock is left protruding from the terrain. An exam

  • Donald (Gaelic) - World rule [English speaking countries]

    Donald comes from the Scottish clan name Domhnall. It is a name frequently used in both Scotland and Ireland. At one time, it's popularity in Scotland rivaled that of Ian, however, Disney's character Donald Duck lead to it's use becoming less frequent. <

  • Donnell (Gaelic) - World rule [English speaking countries]
  • Donovan (Gaelic) - Dark chieftain [English speaking countries]
  • Douglas (Gaelic) - Black water [English speaking countries]

    Douglas was formerly used as a girl's name in English during the 17th and 18th centuries, but is now considered to be exclusively masculine.

  • Duncan (Gaelic) - Brown chief [English and Gaelic speaking countries]

    There have been two Scottish kings named Duncan. Duncan I was portrayed in Shakespeare's play 'Macbeth', where he is killed by Macbeth. In real life, Duncan was killed in battle.

    Duncan Fletcher is a former cricket player and coach.

  • Errol (Latin) - Uncertain, possibly wandering [English speaking countries]

    Of debated etymology, some believe it is derived from a Scottish place name of uncertain origin. Others think it is derived from the Latin errare (to wander).

  • Ervin (English) - Green water; boar friend [English and Hungarian speaking countries]

    Ervin is a variant of the surname Irvine, which has three separate origins. It can be from one of two places in Scotland, either Irvine or Irving. Both places are named for a Celtic river whose name probably meant 'green water'. It can also be derived fro

  • Evan (Hebrew) - God is gracious [English and Welsh speaking countries]

    Evan is considered to be Welsh and is, like Ieunan, a form of John and means "God is gracious". Evan and Even are used also in Britanny where they are linked to John the Baptist. These forms overlap in Ireland and Scotland with forms of Eoghan, which are

  • Ewan (Gaelic) - Born from the yew tree; youth [English speaking countries]

    Anglicized Scottish form of Eoghan.

  • Finlay (Gaelic) - Fair warrior [English speaking countries]

    Though it has gained some popularity as a female name in the U.S., Finlay is masculine in all other English-speaking regions.

  • Fraser (English) - Uncertain, perhaps "from Frisia" [English speaking countries]
  • Gavin (Welsh) - White hawk of battle [English and Welsh speaking countries]

    Gavin is a form of Gawain. Gawain was one of King Arthur's knights of the Round Table.

  • Glen (Gaelic) - Valley [English speaking countries]
  • Gordon (English) - Large fort [English speaking countries]

    Gordon is a Scottish clan name, that is now used as a first name. Gordon Brown is the current British Prime Minister.

    Flash Gordon was a comic strip, television show and film. Gordon is also the name of the Big Engine in Thomas the Tank Eng

  • Graham (English) - Abode [English speaking countries]
  • Grant (French) - Great; tall [English speaking countries]

    Grant is both a personal name and a surname. It is the surname of 18th President of the United States and Civil War General Ulysses S. Grant.

  • Gregory (Greek) - Watcher [English speaking countries]

    St. Gregory is the patron saint of singers and students. He was the first pope named Gregory.

    The Gregorian Calendar was named after Pope Gregory XIII, who devised it.

    Famous Gregorys include actor Gregory Peck, and characte

  • Hamish (Hebrew) - Supplanter [English speaking countries]

    An Anglicized version of Sheumais, a version of Seumas. It is popular in the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.

  • Harvey (English) - Battle worthy or carnage worthy [English speaking countries]
  • Iain (Hebrew) - God is gracious [English speaking countries]

    A Scottish form of John.

  • Ian (Hebrew) - God is forgiving [English speaking countries]

    Ian is a modern Scottish form of the name John. It was not used in Scotland until the late nineteenth century, though it has since become quite popular throughout the English-speaking world.

  • Irvin (English) - Green water; boar friend [English speaking countries]

    Irvin is a variant of the surname Irvine, which has three separate origins. It can be from one of two places in Scotland, either Irvine or Irving. Both places are named for a Celtic river whose name probably meant 'green water'. It can also be derived fro

  • Irving (English) - Green water; boar friend [English speaking countries]

    Irving is a variant of the surname Irvine, which has three separate origins. It can be from one of two places in Scotland, either Irvine or Irving. Both places are named for a Celtic river whose name probably meant 'green water'. It can also be derived fr

  • Keith (Gaelic) - Woods [English and Gaelic speaking countries]

    Keith was originally Scottish and probably came from a form of 'coillte' or 'ceiteach', meaning "woods".

    It might also have been influenced by Welsh 'coedwig' (forest), and even by Old English 'cuth' (knowledgeable).

    Keith is

  • Kellen (Gaelic) - Slender [English speaking countries]

    Of uncertain derivation.
    It is perhaps an altered form of the Irish Kelan (from the Gaelic word for "slender").
    It might also be a shortened form of the Scottish surname McKellen (Gaelic Mac Ailein "son of Alan", or Mac Cailein "son of Coli

  • Kelvin (English) - From the River Clyde [English speaking countries]

    Kelvin is a Scottish name derived from the river Clyde, and Glasgow as an area, Kelvinside, named after it.
    The form of the name has probably been influenced by Melvin.

  • Kendrick (Gaelic) - Son of Henry [English speaking countries]

    Kendrick might be derived from the Old Welsh Cynwrig, composed of cyn (high, chief) and gwr, wr (hero, man) or wrig (hill, summit).
    As a Scottish surname, it is a short form of MacEanraig (son of Henry; son of the home rule).
    It may also be

  • Kyle (Gaelic) - Strait of water [English and Gaelic speaking countries]

    Kyle is the name of a former district of Ayrshire in Scotland. It is also the term for a narrow strip of water between two islands or between an island and the mainland, as in 'the Kyle of Tongue' on the northern coast.

    It was the 10th most

  • Lachlan (Gaelic) - Warrior from the Land of the Lochs [English speaking countries]

    This spelling is more commonly used in North America and Australia.

  • Lewis (Germanic) - Fame and war [English speaking countries]

    Lewis is a long accepted English spelling of the French name, Louis. It was the 20th most popular boy's name in the UK in 2006 and 2nd in Scotland, but was ranked only 678th in the US. The Isle of Lewis is one of the islands off the west coast of Scotland

  • Lochlan (Gaelic) - Warrior from the Land of the Lochs [English speaking countries]

    Anglicized spelling of the traditional Lachlan.

  • Logan (Gaelic) - Hollow [English speaking countries]

    Originally a surname which was derived from a Scottish place name

  • Lorne (English) - N/A [English speaking countries]
  • Luke (Greek) - Man from Lucania [English speaking countries]

    St Luke was the author of the Biblical books of Luke and of the Acts of the Apostles. He is traditionally seen as being a physician or a doctor.

    Luke was ranked as the 17th most popular boy's name in the UK in 2006, but was rated 43rd in t

  • Magnus (Latin) - Great [English and German speaking countries]

    A borrowing from the Latin, Magnus is derived from magnus (great, large). The name was brought to England by the Scandinavians during the Middle Ages.

  • Malcolm (Gaelic) - Columba's servant [English speaking countries]

    Gaelic name meaning "follower or devotee of the dove", where the dove is usually St. Columba.

    It was a popular name among Scottish nobility, and the first name of black Muslim Minister and Civil Rights leader Malcolm X.

  • Malcom (Gaelic) - Columba's servant [English speaking countries]
  • Neal (Gaelic) - Uncertain; possibly champion or cloud [English speaking countries]
  • Neil (Gaelic) - Uncertain; possibly champion or cloud [English speaking countries]

    Famous Neils include the first man to walk on the Moon, Neil Armstrong, writers Neil Gaiman and Neil Postman, and singers Neil Diamond and Neil Tennant of the 'Pet Shop Boys'. Neil Kinnock is a British politician, who was leader of the Labour Party in the

  • Norman (Gaelic) - Thor mind, Thor courage [English speaking countries]

    It is also used as an anglicisati

  • Norris (French) - Northener [English speaking countries]
  • Paxton (English) - Settlement of Poecc [English speaking countries]
  • Ramsey (English) - Wild garlic island [English speaking countries]
  • Reid (English) - Red [English speaking countries]
  • Robert (Germanic) - Bright fame [Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Hungarian, Norwegian and Swedish speaking countries]

    There have been various saints named Robert. St Robert of Molesme was one of the founders of the Cistercian monastic order. St Robert Bellarmine was a Catholic Cardinal, and is one of the Doctors of the Church.

    There were three kings of Sc

  • Ronald (Norse) - Ruler with counsel [English speaking countries]

    From the Old norse, composed of the elements meaning "Advice; decision; the gods" and "ruler".

    Ronald Reagan was President of the United States 1981-9. Ronald McDonald is the clown mascot of restaurant chain McDonald's and Ronald Weasley is

  • Ross (Gaelic) - Bluff or Cliff [English speaking countries]

    Ross is a region of north Scotland. The Ross Ice Shelf is the largest ice shelf in Antarctica, it was named after Captain James Ross who discovered it in 1841. It was the place where James Scott and his party died, having failed to become the first people

  • Roy (Gaelic) - Red [English speaking countries]

    Originally a Scottish name, representing an Anglicized spelling of the Gaelic nickname "Ruadh" (red). It has since spread to other parts of the English-speaking world, where it is often reanalysed as Old French "roy" (king).

  • Scott (English) - Painted warrior [English speaking countries]

    Came originally from Old English to mean Scotsman.

    Robert Scott was the leader of the losing team in the 'Race to the Pole', and died on his return. Walter Scott was a novelist.

    'Beam me up, Scotty' is a phrase associated wi

  • Scottie (English) - Painted warrior [English speaking countries]

    Diminutive of Scott. Scottish Terriers are often called Scotties.

  • Scotty (English) - Painted warrior [English speaking countries]

    Common nickname for Scott.

  • Tavish (Aramaic) - Twin [English speaking countries]

    Anglicized form of the Gaelic name Thàmhais or back-formation of the the Scottish surname MacTavish ("son of Thomas"). Tavish may also be taken as a variant spelling of the Sanskrit name Tavisha, meaning "strong and energetic".

  • Turner (English) - One who crafts objects using a lathe [English speaking countries]
  • Wallace (French) - Foreigner [English speaking countries]
  • Walter (Germanic) - Ruler of the army [English speaking countries]

    From the combination of the Germanic elements "rule" and "army".

    Famous Walters include journalist Walter Cronkite, author Walter Scott, explorer and sailor Walter Raleigh. Animator Walt Disney was a Walter.

  • Weston (English) - West enclosure; west settlement [English speaking countries]
Female Names
  • Aileen (Gaelic) - Form of Helen; Evelyn; Aveline; pleasant [English and Gaelic speaking countries]

    Scottish variant of Eileen.

    Aileen Wuornos was an American serial killer.

    The name was also born by silent film actress Aileen Pringle.

  • Alexandra (Greek) - Defending men [Czech, Dutch, English, German, Greek, Hungarian, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovak and Russian speaking countries]

    There have been various Alexandras in royalty: Alexandra of Hesse was the wife of Nicholas II, the last Tsar of Russia, Alexandra of Denmark was the wife of British King Edward VIII and Princess Alexandra is a cousin of British Queen Elizabeth II.

  • Alina (French) - Noble [English speaking countries]

    Of uncertain origin. It may be from an Arabic word for 'noble' or, in Scotland, a feminine form of Alistair.

    It could also be a form of Adelaide.

    The name is borne by ballerina Alina Cojocaru.

  • Allison (Germanic) - Noble kind; of the noble sort [English and French speaking countries]

    Variant of Alison, a Norman French diminutive of Alice.

    Since 1963 in the US, Allison has been more popular than Alison.

    The name is borne by news anchor Allison Stewart, Canadian singer Allison Crowe, and actresses Allison M

  • Annabel (Latin) - Easy to love [English speaking countries]

    Either an elaboration of Anna, or a past misreading of the name Amabel.

    'Annabel Lee' is a poem by Edgar Allan Poe, about a woman who Poe loved, even after her death.

    The name is borne by former English tennis player Annabel

  • Annabelle (Hebrew) - Grace; favour [English speaking countries]

    Either an elaboration of Anna, or a past misreading of the name Amabel.

  • Arabella (English) - N/A [English speaking countries]

    Although the ultimate origin is unsure, it most likely lies in the name Annabel or Anabella. Arabella was likely a misspelling or a spelling change which first made its appearance in the 1600's and caught on. It appeared in both England and Scotland in re

  • Bonnie (English) - Pretty [English speaking countries]

    From the Scottish dialect word meaning 'pretty'.

  • Brenda (Norse) - Sword [English speaking countries]

    Possibly from the Old Norse word 'brand' meaning 'sword', or a feminine form of Brendan. The name was used first in Scotland, and has since spread to the rest of the world.

    Brenda Lee is an American country singer and Brenda Blethyn is an E

  • Davina (Hebrew) - Beloved [English speaking countries]
  • Elaine (Greek) - Torch; bright light [English and Welsh speaking countries]

    Old French form of Greek Helen. Revived in Britain at the end of the 19th century and very popular in the 1950s, especially in Scotland.

    In Arthurian legend, Elaine is a name shared by several different female characters, including King Art

  • Jeanie (Hebrew) - God is gracious [English speaking countries]
  • Jessie (Hebrew) - God is gracious [English speaking countries]
  • Kirstie (Latin) - Follower of Christ [English speaking countries]

    Pet form of Kirstin, the Scottish form of Christine.

  • Kirstin (Latin) - Follower of Christ [English speaking countries]

    Scottish vernacular form of Christine.

  • Lillian (Hebrew) - My God is a vow [English and Hebrew speaking countries]

    Lillian Bounds was the wife of animator Walt Disney. Lillian Gish and Lillian Roth were American actresses, and Lillian Hellman was a playwright. The name was most popular around 1900, and these four examples of bearers of the name Lillian were all born w

  • Linsey (English) - Uncertain, perhaps "dark lake"; Lincoln [English speaking countries]
  • Lorraine (French) - Of Lothair [English speaking countries]

    This surname became a popular first name in Scotland in the 19th century.

  • Maisie (Gaelic) - Pet form of Mairead [English and Gaelic speaking countries]

    Pet form of Mairead, the Scottish Gaelic form of Margaret.

  • Margaret (Greek) - Pearl [English speaking countries]

    English form of the latinised Greek name meaning "pearl".

    An extremely common name from the Middle Ages onwards.

    St Margaret of Antioch was a virgin martyr, there is little evidence to suggest that she actually existed, but h

  • Mary (Hebrew) - Bitter [English speaking countries]

    Originally a Middle English Anglicized form of the French "Marie," derived from the Latin "Maria," and ultimately from the Hebrew name of uncertain origin "Miryam".

    This is the New Testament form of Miriam, which St. Jerome derives from ele

  • Maura (Latin) - Moor [English, Italian and Spanish speaking countries]

    Of Celtic origin, perhaps derived from the Gaelic 'mohr' (great).
    It is also used as an Anglicized form of Máire.

    Alternatively, Maura is a feminine form of the Latin Maurus (dark-skinned).

  • Mina (Germanic) - Will, desire + helmet, protection [English speaking countries]

    Short form of various names with this ending, including Wilhelmina, also used as an independent given name since the 19th century.
    In Scotland, it is a Highland short form of Calumina and Normina, also used on its own.

  • Norma (Gaelic) - Thor mind, Thor courage [English speaking countries]

    An invented name of uncertain origin which gained later popularity in Britain as a feminine form of Norman.

  • Oona (Latin) - One [English speaking countries]
  • Paisley (English) - N/A [English speaking countries]

    Paisley is a town in Scotland, near to Glasgow. It was famous for its weaving industry in the 19th century - Paisley pattern, which involves a Persian inspired tear-shaped design, comes from the town.

  • Victoria (Latin) - Conqueror; victory [English, Romanian and Spanish speaking countries]

    Victoria was the Roman goddess of victory, the equivalent of the Greek Nike.

    A notable bearer of this name is Queen Victoria who reigned between 1819 - 1901 and is the longest reigning British monarch. Victoria was not a common name when Qu

Gender Neutral Names
  • Ainsley (Gaelic) - Hermitage in or at the clearing or wood [English speaking countries]

    A derivative of Ansley, a Scottish surname of a habituation nature. Has enjoyed moderate success in the latest trend of choosing surnames as given names. Traditionally a masculine name, it is sometimes used in these modern times for a girl.

  • Ansley (Gaelic) - Hermitage in or at the clearing or wood [English speaking countries]

    Scottish surname of a habituation nature. Has enjoyed moderate success in the latest trend of choosing surnames as given names, along with it's varients Ainslie and Ainsley. traditionally a masculine name, it is sometimes used in these modern times for a

  • Blair (Gaelic) - Plain [English speaking countries]

    The meaning of "plain", suggests that Blair is someone who comes from the plains, and not that he is plain-looking.

    In recent years, Blair has gained popularity as a girl's name.

  • Cameron (Gaelic) - Crooked nose [English speaking countries]

    Cameron is used both as a surname and a given name; the Camerons are a clan from the Scottish Highlands. The name is believed to be from the Gaelic 'cam' (crooked) and 'srón' (nose).

    Cameron Crowe is a film director, and Cameron Mackintosh

  • Denny (Greek) - Feaster [English speaking countries]
  • Hailey (English) - Hay clearing or hay woods [English speaking countries]

    A common spelling of this name, it is found mostly on females. It was the 25th most popular name in the US in terms of spelling. If you go by sound and combine all the HAY lee pronunciations together (eg Hailey, Hayley, Haley, Hayleigh etc.) then Hailey (

  • Jean (Hebrew) - God is gracious [English and French speaking countries]

    French male name, modern French form of John. Or English female name, medieval variant of Jane.

    There have been two king Johns or king Jeans of France. The first only ruled for five days - he was born after his Father's death and died soon

  • Kenna (Gaelic) - N/A [English speaking countries]

    "Kenna" is an Anglicized version of the Gaelic names Cionaodh or Coinneach, meaning "Aodh's affection" and "handsome," respectively. As such, it is technically a male name, though it is rarely used as such in English contexts.

  • Kenzie (Gaelic) - Handsome [English speaking countries]

    Kenzie is an Anglicized version of the Gaelic name Coinneach, which means "handsome." It is technically a male name, but is more usually considered a female name today.

  • Kira (Gaelic) - Dark [English and Japanese speaking countries]

    As a female name, Kira is a variant of the name Ciara, from the Gaelic meaning "dark".

    As a Japanese male name, Kira may be written with the character for "glitter; gleam; twinkle".

    As a Russian name Kira is taken from the fe

  • Lesley (Gaelic) - Holly Garden [English speaking countries]

    First seen in a Robert Burn's poem, Lesley is a variant of the name Leslie.

  • Leslie (Gaelic) - Holly Garden [English speaking countries]

    From the Gaelic surname for the lands of Lesslyn in Aberdeenshire, the words "leas cuilinn" meaning garden of hollies.

    Leslie was the birth name of the 38th President Gerald R. Ford. President Ford was adopted as a baby.

  • Lindsay (Gaelic) - Uncertain, perhaps "dark lake"; Lincoln [English speaking countries]

    Lindsay is derived from the Brithonic name "Lindissi," a corruption of the Latin "Lindum Colonia" - the Roman name for Lincoln. "Lindum" may derive from the old Gaeli "lindu," meaning "dark lake." Lindsay is a unisex name today, usually feminine in the

  • Lindsey (English) - Uncertain, perhaps "dark lake"; Lincoln [English speaking countries]

    Lindsey is a variant spelling of Lindsay, but can also come from a Middle English phrase meaning "Lelli's island."

  • Mackenzie (Gaelic) - Son of Coinneach; son of the fair one [English and Gaelic speaking countries]

    MacKenzie is a common Scottish surname, traditionally denoting membership in the MacKenzie clan. The MacKenzies have been a significant clan in Scotland for at least 700 years.

    MacKenzie itself is an Anglicization of the Gaelic MacCoinneach

  • Morgan (Welsh) - Uncertain, perhaps bright sea [English and Welsh speaking countries]

    From the Old Welsh masculine name Morcant, which is derived from Welsh mor (sea) or mawr (great), and can (bright, white) or cant (circle, completion).
    This name is common as a surname in both Wales and Ireland and is becoming increasingly popular

  • Rory (Gaelic) - Red king [English speaking countries]

    Anglicized form of Ruaidhrí.

    As a girl's name, Rory is a pet form of several names including Aurora or Aurelia.

    Famous male Rorys include comedians Rory Bremner and Rory McGrath, and actors Rory Cochrane and Rory Culkin. Fam

  • Will (Germanic) - Will, desire + helmet, protection [English speaking countries]

    Will is a common nickname for any names starting in "Will/Wil" such as Willard, William, Willem, Wilson or Wilford.

    Famous bearers include lead character Will Turner played by Orlando Bloom in Disney's "Pirates of the Carribean" series, Co