115 Scottish First Names and Meanings

Scotland is rife with history, conflict, culture, and mythology. From the magical highlands to the moors filled with heather, the land of the Scots is undoubtedly a land of magic. 

Growing up, Braveheart was my favorite movie, an odd movie for a teenager to love, but I have always been enchanted by all things Celtic. Both my children have Celtic names, one Scottish, of course! 

History buffs love learning about Scotland's ancient and intertwining past with England, Ireland, France, Spain, the Vikings, and the myriad of connections and betrayals amongst Scottish tribes.

Scotland is a wondrous place, and many Americans have ancestral ties to the ancient nation. So, if you’re looking for the perfect Scottish name for your future lass or lad, then keep on reading for Family Education's favorite names from Scotland!

Scottish Boy Names and Meanings

When it comes to Scottish boy names, strength and spirit resonate through centuries of usage. 

1. Alasdair/Alastair/Alistair - The Scottish version of Alexander, meaning defender of the people  
2. Andrew - Brave man; St. Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland  
3. Angus - One strength  
4. Aodh - Fire  
5. Archibald - Truly bold; can be shortened to Archie  
6. Baird - Minstrel or poet  
7. Bernard - Strong as a bear  
8. Blaine/Blane - Slender  
9. Brodic/Brodick - Brother  
10. Bruce - Brushwood or thicket, a common Scottish surname for nobles; linked to Robert the Bruce  
11. Bryson - Son of a nobleman; son of Bryce  
12. Calum - Dove, a derivative of Malcolm  
13. Clyde - The name of a river in Scotland  
14. Davis - Son of David  
15. Donal - World mighty or world rule  
16. Douglas - Dark stream  
17. Duncan - Dark warrior  
18. Ewan - By the yew tree, born of the yew tree, or youth; also spelled Euan  
19. Fraser - Strawberry, a cute baby name for a redhead  
20. Graham - Gravelly homestead  
21. Hamish - A Scottish version of the name James  
22. Ian - God is gracious  
23. James - Supplanter; the name of the Stuart King who ruled both Scotland and Ireland  
24. Knox - Rounded hilltop  
25. Lachlan - From the land of lakes  
26. Leith - Flowing water  
27. Mac - Once meant son of, now used as a first name  
28. Malcolm - A devotee of Saint Columba  
29. Ramsay - Garlic island or low-lying island  
30. Ross - From the peninsula  
31. Scott - A Scotsman  
32. Stewart - Servant or steward; tied to Scotland’s royal family in the Renaissance and Elizabethan eras  
33. Wallace - Wielder of a foreign weapon, a popular Scottish name

Scottish Girl Names and Meanings 

Scottish girl names often evoke beauty and resilience, influenced by nature and history, including the following collection that have stood the test of time.

34. Agnes - Pure or virginal  
35. Alba - White  
36. Aileen - The Scots version of Evelyn, it means light  
37. Ailish - A popular Scottish name that means noble  
38. Ann - Graceful  
39. Bonnie - Pretty or beautiful  
40. Catriona - Pure  
41. Cordelia - Pure-hearted; the favorite daughter in Shakespeare’s King Lear  
42. Davonna - A leader  
43. Eileen - Angel-like, angelic  
44. Eilidh - A diminutive form of Alice or Elizabeth, meaning noble
45. Elspeth - God is my oath  
46. Fenella - White-shouldered one  
47. Fiona - Feminine or fair  
48. Finlay - Fair-haired one  
49. Jean - God is gracious  
50. Kenna - Pretty woman or fire born  
51. Lachina - Land of Lakes  
52. Lainey - Shining light  
53. Lilias - Lily  
54. Lorna - Victory or honor  
55. Iona - A place name for an island off the coast of Scotland  
56. Isla/Islay - Comes from an island off the west coast of Scotland; Isla is also the Spanish word for island  
57. Isobel - Pledged to God  
58. Mackenzie - Fire-born, son of the ruler; attractive or pleasant to look at  
59. Mckinley - Son of Finlay  
60. Maisie - Pearl; a Scottish Gaelic version of Margaret  
61. Margaret - Pearl  
62. Mirren - Beloved  
63. Morag - The Scottish version of Sarah, it means princess  
64. Reyne - Lady or ruler  
65. Shona - God is gracious  
66. Una - Lamb  
67. Vaila - Foreign isle

Gender-Neutral Scottish Names

For anyone interested in a gender-neutral name, Scottish culture boasts a variety of unisex names that suit all genders and carry a balance of strength and charm.

68. Adair - Fortune or spear  
69. Blair - Field or plain, a battlefield  
70. Blake - Dark-haired  
71. Cameron - Crooked nose or crooked river  
72. Campbell - Crooked mouth  
73. Drew - A diminutive form of Andrew, it means manly or brave  
74. Greer - Watchful or vigilant  
75. Jaime - He who supplants  
76. Lennox - Elm grove  
77. Lindsey/Lindsay - Where the linden tree grows  
78. Lyle - A person who resides on an island  
79. Payton/Peyton- Royal  
80. Quinn - Head or wise  
81. Reagan - Son of the little king; also one of the daughters of Shakespeare's King Lear  
82. Rory - Red king  
83. Rowan - Little redhead  
84. Skye - A place name from the famed Isle of Skye  
85. Slaine - Someone of good health  

Most Common Scottish First Names  

What names top the charts among Scots today? Here are some of the most widely recognized and loved first names across Scotland!  

86. Ethan - Strong or firm  
87. Harry - Home ruler  
88. Jack - God is gracious  
89. Liam - Strong-willed warrior  
90. Lewis - Famous in battle  
91. Noah - Rest or comfort  
92. Oliver - Olive tree or peace  
93. Ryan - Little king  
94. Ava - Life or bird  
95. Charlotte - Free man or petite  
96. Ella - Fairy maiden or light  
97. Emily - Industrious and striving  
98. Grace - Charm or blessing  
99. Isla - Island  
100. Sophie - Wisdom

Most Popular Scottish First Names With Meanings

When choosing a name, sometimes popularity offers reassurance. Some of the best-loved Scottish names offer a wide variety for boys and girls, as well as poignant meanings.

1. Andrew - Manly, brave (also Scotland’s patron saint)  
2. Archie - True and bold  
3. Caleb - Devotion or whole-hearted  
4. Finn - Fair or white  
5. Harris - Son of Harry or ruler of the home  
6. James - Supplanter (a favorite royal name)  
7. Lucas - Light or illumination  
8. Mackenzie - Fair son or wise ruler  
9. Amelia - Work or industrious  
10. Ella - Fairy maiden or light  
11. Evie - Life or lively  
12. Freya - Lady or noblewoman  
13. Megan - Strong and capable  
14. Nina - Grace or favor  
15. Sarah - Princess, noblewoman  

Traditional Scottish First Names  

Traditional names preserve the timeless beauty of Scotland’s history. The following names have been cherished for centuries and offer a true connection to the country’s roots!  

1. Angus - One choice or unique strength  
2. Bruce - From the brushwood thicket (Robert the Bruce, a historic Scottish king)  
3. Donald - World ruler or proud chief  
4. Dougal - Dark stranger or black stream  
5. Ewan - Born of the yew tree  
6. Gregor - Watchful, vigilant  
7. Hamish - Supplanter, Scottish form of James  
8. Lachlan - From the land of lakes  
9. Malcolm - Devotee of Saint Columba  
10. Catriona - Pure, Scottish form of Katherine  
11. Elspeth - God’s promise  
12. Fiona - White or fair  
13. Flora - Flower or blooming  
14. Moira - Bitter or beloved  
15. Morag - Great, sun

Famous Scottish First Names (With English Translations)

Many revered Scottish first names belong to historical icons, literary figures, and even movie characters, making them immediately recognizable worldwide

101. Alexander - Protector of man (Alexander Graham Bell, inventor)  
102. Alistair - Defender of the people (A variation of Alexander)  
103. Cameron - Crooked nose or bent river (Filmmaker James Cameron, although born in Canada, has Scottish heritage)  
104. Colin - Little cub or victory of the people (Actor Colin Firth)  
105. David - Beloved (David Hume, philosopher)  
106. Douglas - Dark river (Douglas Haig, World War I commander)  
107. Iain - God is gracious (Scottish writer Iain Banks)  
108. Robert - Bright fame (Robert Burns, the national poet of Scotland)  
109. Rory - Red-haired king (Rory MacDonald, musician)  
110. William - Resolute protector (William Wallace from Braveheart)  
111. Bonnie - Beautiful or cheerful (Bonnie Prince Charlie, figure of rebellion)  
112. Isabel - God is my oath (Scottish Queen Isabella)  
113. Jean - God is gracious (Jean Brodie, literary character)  
114. Margaret - Pearl (from Margaret Tudor, Queen of Scotland)  
115. Mary - Star of the sea (referring to Mary, Queen of Scots)

Finding the Perfect Scottish First Name 

Scottish names are some of the most gorgeous and traditional in the world. From the natural beauty of Scotland to the cultural history that hides over every hill and dale, the magic of this ancient country imbues names for boys, girls, and more with stunning meanings. We hope that this list has inspired your baby name search!

For more information check out these popular topics:

• English First Names and Meanings
• Dutch First Names and Meanings
• French First Names and Meanings

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