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Scottish Boy Names and Meanings

Explore our wide array of Scottish boy names, from timeless classics to rare gems. Find the perfect name rooted in history, nature, or legend for your little one!

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Updated: April 16, 2025
Scottish children
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Updated: April 16, 2025

Scottish names have a rich history, blending Celtic, Gaelic, and Norse influences—these special elements makes them special, unique, and so very alluring. So, whether you’re drawn to names that evoke the serene Scottish Highlands, its legendary heroes through history, or traditional values, you’ll find something special in this list. Read on for an exploration of names from common to unique, historic to modern. There's something for everyone on this list!

Popular Scottish Boy Names  

These names are beloved both in Scotland and around the globe, known for their strength and charm.  

  1. Aidan - Little fire, fiery spirit  
  2. Angus - Strength, force, and vigor  
  3. Calum - Dove, symbol of peace  
  4. Connor - Lover of wolves  
  5. Ewan - Born of the yew tree  
  6. Finley - Fair warrior, white champion  
  7. Gavin - White hawk or falcon  
  8. Hamish - Supplanter, James in Gaelic  
  9. Lachlan - Land of lakes, from the fjords  
  10. Logan - Small hollow or hollow space  

Common Scottish Boy Names  

These names endure through generations, reflecting Scotland’s traditions and familial ties.  

  1. Alastair - Defender of man, protector  
  2. Brodie - Muddy place, small stream  
  3. Craig - Rock, steadfast like a cliff  
  4. Donald - Ruler of the world, proud chief  
  5. Fergus - Strong man, man of force  
  6. Grant - Great, large, and generous  
  7. Malcolm - Follower of Saint Columba  
  8. Ross - Promontory, headland dweller  
  9. Stewart - Steward, household guardian  
  10. Wallace - Foreigner or stranger  

Unique Scottish Boy Names  

Consider these names if you’re looking for something distinctive and full of character.  

  1. Alpin - Fair one, blond  
  2. Blaine - Yellow, thin  
  3. Caelan - Slender boy, powerful in battle  
  4. Dougal - Dark stranger, shadow walker  
  5. Findlay - Fair-haired courageous one  
  6. Jura - From the Isle of Jura, yew tree  
  7. Keir - Dark, dusky, and mysterious  
  8. Lorne - From the region of Lorn in Scotland  
  9. Murdo - Seafarer, mariner  
  10. Struan - Small stream, flowing waters

Traditional Scottish Boy Names  

These names carry deep cultural roots and evoke the history of clans and ancient Scottish traditions.

  1. Clyde - From the Clyde River  
  2. Duncan - Brown warrior, dark chief  
  3. Fraser - Strawberry, clan name  
  4. Gregor - Watchful and vigilant  
  5. Iain - God is gracious, a Scottish form of John  
  6. Lennox - Elm grove, from a prominent region  
  7. Murray - Seafarer, sailor  
  8. Ramsay - Wild garlic island  
  9. Seumas - Supplanter, James in Gaelic  
  10. Tavish - Twin, Scottish twin boy name  

Historic Scottish Boy Names  

These names are inspired by leaders, warriors, and legendary figures who have shaped Scotland’s heritage.  

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  1. Alasdair - Defender of mankind, Gaelic version of Alexander  
  2. Archibald - Genuine and bold, medieval knight's name  
  3. Bruce - Famous bearer Robert the Bruce, protector of Scotland  
  4. Kenneth - Handsome, born of fire  
  5. Macbeth - Son of life, immortalized in Macbeth by Shakespeare  
  6. Robbie - Famous brilliance, tied to Robert Burns  
  7. Roderick - Famous ruler, noble king  
  8. Somhairle - Viking sailor  
  9. Torquil - Thor's cauldron, derived from Norse mythology  
  10. William - Strong-willed warrior, bearer of many Scottish kings  

Rare Scottish Boy Names  

For a truly one-of-a-kind name, these rare options offer deep meaning and a touch of exclusivity.  

  1. Beric - Grain farm, hardy as wheat  
  2. Cairn - Rock pile, traditional landmarks  
  3. Edan - Fire, tiny flame  
  4. Gillean - Servant of Saint John  
  5. Kester - Bearer of Christ, Christopher in Scottish  
  6. Lochlan - From the fjords, Norseman  
  7. Moir - Majestic and great  
  8. Quinlan - Graceful boy, strong  
  9. Torin - Chief, thunder  
  10. Wilkie - Resolute protector, diminutive of William

Nature-Inspired Scottish Boy Names  

These names reflect the beauty of Scotland’s natural landscapes—from its mountains to its lochs.

  1. Arran - From the Isle of Arran  
  2. Ben - Mountain, peak  
  3. Cameron - Crooked river or nose  
  4. Firth - Arm of the sea  
  5. Glen - Valley or glen  
  6. Keith - Wooded area, forest  
  7. Loch - Lake, inspired by Scottish lochs  
  8. Moray - Sea settlement, wave-like  
  9. Rosslyn - Prominent hill or waterfall  
  10. Skye - From the Isle of Skye, misty beauty  

Modern & Trendy Scottish Boy Names  

These names seamlessly blend contemporary appeal with Scottish roots.  

  1. Alec - Form of Alexander, defender  
  2. Bryce - Speckled or freckled  
  3. Colby - Dark village, settlement  
  4. Finlay - White warrior, youthful charm  
  5. Hunter - One who hunts, skilled tracker  
  6. Kai - From the sea, oceanic traveler  
  7. Maxwell - Great spring, mighty stream  
  8. Reid - Red-haired one, fiery and bold  
  9. Sterling - High quality, shining star  
  10. Thane - Clan chief, noble title  

Mythical & Legendary Scottish Boy Names  

Channel the magic of Scottish lore with these enchanting names.  

  1. Angwyn - Blessed one, fair  
  2. Carbry - Charioteer, swift and daring  
  3. Kelvin - From the kelvin river  
  4. Malven - Smooth brow, sacred mountain  
  5. Osla - Divine weapon, cosmic awe  
  6. Selby - Willful fortress  
  7. Tarwyn - Brave chieftain  
  8. Urquhart - Fort on the hill  
  9. Vailin - Hero, guardian  
  10. Zain - Beauty, a bright shine

Find the Perfect Scottish Name for Your Little Highlander  

Scottish boy names offer a fascinating blend of tradition, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re drawn to popular choices like Calum and Logan, or prefer something rare and enchanting like Torin or Jura, there’s a perfect name waiting for your baby!

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Tara Gunn

About Tara

Hailing from Canada, Tara is a graduate of Scotland's University of St. Andrews in creative… Read more

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