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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.
- Alasdair/Alastair/Alistair - The Scottish version of Alexander, meaning defender of the people
- Andrew - Brave man; St. Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland
- Angus - One strength
- Aodh - Fire
- Archibald - Truly bold; can be shortened to Archie
- Baird - Minstrel or poet
- Bernard - Strong as a bear
- Blaine/Blane - Slender
- Brodic/Brodick - Brother
- Bruce - Brushwood or thicket, a common Scottish surname for nobles; linked to Robert the Bruce
- Bryson - Son of a nobleman; son of Bryce
- Calum - Dove, a derivative of Malcolm
- Clyde - The name of a river in Scotland
- Davis - Son of David
- Donal - World mighty or world rule
- Douglas - Dark stream
- Duncan - Dark warrior
- Ewan - By the yew tree, born of the yew tree, or youth; also spelled Euan
- Fraser - Strawberry, a cute baby name for a redhead
- Graham - Gravelly homestead
- Hamish - A Scottish version of the name James
- Ian - God is gracious
- James - Supplanter; the name of the Stuart King who ruled both Scotland and Ireland
- Knox - Rounded hilltop
- Lachlan - From the land of lakes
- Leith - Flowing water
- Mac - Once meant son of, now used as a first name
- Malcolm - A devotee of Saint Columba
- Ramsay - Garlic island or low-lying island
- Ross - From the peninsula
- Scott - A Scotsman
- Stewart - Servant or steward; tied to Scotland’s royal family in the Renaissance and Elizabethan eras
- 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.
- Agnes - Pure or virginal
- Alba - White
- Aileen - The Scots version of Evelyn, it means light
- Ailish - A popular Scottish name that means noble
- Ann - Graceful
- Bonnie - Pretty or beautiful
- Catriona - Pure
- Cordelia - Pure-hearted; the favorite daughter in Shakespeare’s King Lear
- Davonna - A leader
- Eileen - Angel-like, angelic
- Eilidh - A diminutive form of Alice or Elizabeth, meaning noble
- Elspeth - God is my oath
- Fenella - White-shouldered one
- Fiona - Feminine or fair
- Finlay - Fair-haired one
- Jean - God is gracious
- Kenna - Pretty woman or fire born
- Lachina - Land of Lakes
- Lainey - Shining light
- Lilias - Lily
- Lorna - Victory or honor
- Iona - A place name for an island off the coast of Scotland
- Isla/Islay - Comes from an island off the west coast of Scotland; Isla is also the Spanish word for island
- Isobel - Pledged to God
- Mackenzie - Fire-born, son of the ruler; attractive or pleasant to look at
- Mckinley - Son of Finlay
- Maisie - Pearl; a Scottish Gaelic version of Margaret
- Margaret - Pearl
- Mirren - Beloved
- Morag - The Scottish version of Sarah, it means princess
- Reyne - Lady or ruler
- Shona - God is gracious
- Una - Lamb
- 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.
- Adair - Fortune or spear
- Blair - Field or plain, a battlefield
- Blake - Dark-haired
- Cameron - Crooked nose or crooked river
- Campbell - Crooked mouth
- Drew - A diminutive form of Andrew, it means manly or brave
- Greer - Watchful or vigilant
- Jaime - He who supplants
- Lennox - Elm grove
- Lindsey/Lindsay - Where the linden tree grows
- Lyle - A person who resides on an island
- Payton/Peyton- Royal
- Quinn - Head or wise
- Reagan - Son of the little king; also one of the daughters of Shakespeare's King Lear
- Rory - Red king
- Rowan - Little redhead
- Skye - A place name from the famed Isle of Skye
- 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!
- Ethan - Strong or firm
- Harry - Home ruler
- Jack - God is gracious
- Liam - Strong-willed warrior
- Lewis - Famous in battle
- Noah - Rest or comfort
- Oliver - Olive tree or peace
- Ryan - Little king
- Ava - Life or bird
- Charlotte - Free man or petite
- Ella - Fairy maiden or light
- Emily - Industrious and striving
- Grace - Charm or blessing
- Isla - Island
- 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.
- Andrew - Manly, brave (also Scotland’s patron saint)
- Archie - True and bold
- Caleb - Devotion or whole-hearted
- Finn - Fair or white
- Harris - Son of Harry or ruler of the home
- James - Supplanter (a favorite royal name)
- Lucas - Light or illumination
- Mackenzie - Fair son or wise ruler
- Amelia - Work or industrious
- Ella - Fairy maiden or light
- Evie - Life or lively
- Freya - Lady or noblewoman
- Megan - Strong and capable
- Nina - Grace or favor
- 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!
- Angus - One choice or unique strength
- Bruce - From the brushwood thicket (Robert the Bruce, a historic Scottish king)
- Donald - World ruler or proud chief
- Dougal - Dark stranger or black stream
- Ewan - Born of the yew tree
- Gregor - Watchful, vigilant
- Hamish - Supplanter, Scottish form of James
- Lachlan - From the land of lakes
- Malcolm - Devotee of Saint Columba
- Catriona - Pure, Scottish form of Katherine
- Elspeth - God’s promise
- Fiona - White or fair
- Flora - Flower or blooming
- Moira - Bitter or beloved
- 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
- Alexander - Protector of man (Alexander Graham Bell, inventor)
- Alistair - Defender of the people (A variation of Alexander)
- Cameron - Crooked nose or bent river (Filmmaker James Cameron, although born in Canada, has Scottish heritage)
- Colin - Little cub or victory of the people (Actor Colin Firth)
- David - Beloved (David Hume, philosopher)
- Douglas - Dark river (Douglas Haig, World War I commander)
- Iain - God is gracious (Scottish writer Iain Banks)
- Robert - Bright fame (Robert Burns, the national poet of Scotland)
- Rory - Red-haired king (Rory MacDonald, musician)
- William - Resolute protector (William Wallace from Braveheart)
- Bonnie - Beautiful or cheerful (Bonnie Prince Charlie, figure of rebellion)
- Isabel - God is my oath (Scottish Queen Isabella)
- Jean - God is gracious (Jean Brodie, literary character)
- Margaret - Pearl (from Margaret Tudor, Queen of Scotland)
- 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!
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