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While naming a baby, most parents prefer including a little of their family history to ensure the child remembers where they come from. You can give a Scottish baby name to your child if you wish to pass your heritage to the next generation. All thanks to Scotland’s eventful history, Scottish names have varied origins. Invasions and battles have been a large part of the country’s past, from the Roman Empire's arrival to the Vikings' migration from Norway and Denmark (1). After the emigration of the Celtic tribes in 900 BCE, the history of Scotland was marked by stages of unrest and turmoil. However, with the arrival of the Celts, ironwork was introduced to Scotland, helping it transition from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age (2). This transition is where the inspiration for most baby names comes from. The origins of Scottish names range from traditional Celtic, Gaelic, and Old English to influences from neighboring countries like Italy, France, and Norway. However, a hefty chunk of Scottish baby names originates from Gaelic. During the early Middle Ages, Gaelic Scotland and Ireland had shared name pools. With time, the name pools separated, but certain names no longer popular in one culture were still widely used (3). The Lowland and Highland areas have different names, depending on the regions. While Scottish boy names reflect strength and masculinity, Scottish female names are delicate and incredibly feminine. This distinction is a characteristic trait of Celtic and Gaelic names. The Scots also follow a specific naming pattern for their children. The firstborn son inherits his paternal grandfather’s name, while the firstborn daughter derives her name from her maternal grandmother. The second son takes his name from his maternal grandfather, and the second-born daughter gets hers from her paternal grandmother. The third son and daughter inherit their names from their mother and father. From the motherland of bagpipers, the Loch Ness monster, and of course, Johnnie Walker, we bring you an extensive collection of Scottish baby names with meanings. You are sure to fall in love with these gorgeous names, whether you are Scottish or not. Keep scrolling!
| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Muriel |  |  Girl | Bright, shining |
| Murray | |  Unisex | Ffrom the sea town; Seaside settlement |
| Mykenzie | | Unisex | Son of the wise leader |
| Nab | |  Boy | Head minister of a monastery |
| Nae | | Unisex | Mine; Like; Want |
| Nairna | | Girl | Dweller by the alder tree river |
| Nairne | | Girl | From the river along alder trees |
| Naos | | Boy | Single opportunity |
| Napier | | Boy | A tradesman of linen cloths |
| Naughton | | Boy | One with a clean heart |
| Neale | | Girl | Follower; Cup holder; Victor; Fighter |
| Neilan | | Boy | Victor; Overcomer; Defender; Defeater |
| Neils | | Boy | A person who has general authority over others |
| Nes | | Girl | A gentle person; From the headland |
| Nevay | | Unisex | Bright; Radiant one |
| Nevie | | Unisex | Prophetess |
| Nevis | | Unisex | Snowy |
| Niven | | Boy | Small, holy person; Little saint |
| Noah | | Unisex | Rest |
| Nolyn | | Unisex | Noble one; Victorious |
| Norrie | | Unisex | Northern; From the North |
| Nygel | | Boy | Came out of the water |
| Nyjah | | Unisex | Purpose |
| Oban | | Boy | An enchanting brave person who is infatuated for his bravery |
| Ogilvy | | Unisex | One who shows leniency and compassion towards offenders; Disposition of being kind and forgiving |
| Oglesby | | Unisex | Not widely known; Especially valued for its uncommonness; Not widely distributed |
| Oliver | | Boy | Olive tree planter |
| Olivia | | Girl | Peace; Olive tree |
| Ord | | Boy | A hammer or a point |
| Oryn | | Unisex | Light; Pine tree |
| Osla | | Girl | One who comes from a steep place |
| Paislee | | Girl | Patterned fabric; From Paisley; Man of the church |
| Paisleigh | | Girl | Church; Cemetery |
| Parlan | | Girl | Ploughman; Farmer; Son of the plough |
| Pate | | Girl | One who is born with paws; a fighter |
| Paton | | Boy | A royal and humble person; warrior's town |
| Peden | | Boy | Son of Paidin |
| Pefen | | Boy | Having individuality and confidence |
| Peigi | | Girl | A peg; one who is governed by tradition |
| Perth | | Unisex | Thicket; Bush; A city in western Australia |
| Puspabhusan | | Boy | A flower-made ornament |
| Puspamanjari | | Girl | A girl who is like the flower bud |
| Rabbie | | Boy | A bright flame |
| Raith | | Boy | Small fortress |
| Ranald | | Boy | Form of Ronale, one who rules with counsel |
| Ranulf | | Boy | A shield of wolf |
| Ranulph | | Boy | Shield-wolf |
| Reddick | | Boy | Reddish or reddish hair |
| Reid | | Boy | Red-haired |
| Rell | | Unisex | Strong, charismatic, determined |
| Reyne | | Unisex | To rule; The ruling counselor; Queen: Rath chain |
| Rhona | | Girl | Fame; Friend; Spear; Pike; White; Fair; Blessed; Holy; Fair haired |
| Riderch | | Boy | Scottish king |
| Robeson | | Boy | Son of a famous and bright man |
| Rodric | | Boy | A man who is legendary for his good ruling |
| Rodrick | | Boy | A person who is notable for his rule |
| Rollins | | Unisex | Famous or renowned |
| Ron | | Boy | Ruler's counselor |
| Ronnee | | Boy | A mighty powerful conselor |
| Ronnie | | Boy | Ruler; Advice; Decision; Bringer of victory |
| Rory | | Boy | Red king |
| Roslin | | Unisex | Beautiful; Creative; Inspiring |
| Rosse | | Unisex | A headland or a cape |
| Rozen | | Unisex | Flower; Beauty |
| Ruairi | | Boy | A crimson-haired royal ruler |
| Ruarai | | Boy | A royal ruler with red hair |
| Ruskin | | Boy | One who is from the family of tanners |
| Ruthven | | Unisex | Raven’s stream |
| Ryze | | Unisex | Strong; Powerful; Dynamic |
| Scotia | | Unisex | The land of Scots |
| Scotlyn | | Unisex | Scottish heritage; Femininity |
| Scotlynn | | Unisex | Waterfall; Pool |
| Selkie | | Unisex | Gray seal; Shape-shifting creature |
| Senga | | Unisex | Pure; Chaste |
| Seonag | | Girl | God is merciful |
| Seoras | | Boy | Farmer |
| Shianna | | Girl | Gift of God |
| Sophie | | Girl | She who is wise |
| Steaphan | | Boy | One who wears the crown |
| Sterlin | | Unisex | Pure; Of high quality |
| Stew | | Boy | He who is someone's steward |
| Struan | | Boy | He who lives near the stream |
| Syme | | Unisex | Listening intently |
| Synclaire | | Unisex | Clear; Bright |
| Taigh | | Unisex | House; Home |
| Tavey | | Boy | Twin |
| Tay | | Unisex | River; From the river |
| Taye | | Girl | He has been seen |
| Tearlach | | Boy | A strong man |
| Tee | | Unisex | The small stand on which a golf ball is placed |
| Tenleigh | | Unisex | Delicate; Energetic; Imaginative |
| Tesslyn | | Girl | Gracious and beloved |
| Tevis | | Boy | Twin |
| Teyla | | Unisex | Strong, graceful, and inspirational |
| Thayden | | Girl | Strong; Courageous; Leader |
| Thayne | | Boy | The one who follows |
| Thistle | | Boy | A plant |
| Thomeson | | Boy | Scottish surname; Son of Thom |
| Thorburn | | Boy | A Scottish surname; Thunder |
| Thoryn | | Unisex | Strong; Noble; Fierce |
Scottish baby names are loaded with history, enabling your child to always hold on to their roots. Despite the country's turbulent past, Scottish names have their unique appeal. The Scottish naming system allows families to be interlinked through their names, making it easier to trace one’s ancestry. Whether you are looking for a robust name for a boy or a delicate name for a girl, this comprehensive list of Scottish names has everything you need to find the perfect fit for your little one.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some names that mean Princess in Scottish?
Sarah is a feminine name that means princess in Scottish, while Aurla means golden princess. If you are looking for names borne by princesses, Ada is a great choice. Ada, also known as Ada of Huntingdon, was a member of the Scottish royal house.
2. What Scottish name means freedom and peace?
The masculine name Wallace can also be connected to the meaning of freedom because of Sir William Wallace, a Scottish knight and hero who fought against England for freedom. Calum or Callum is a masculine name that means dove, a symbol of peace and freedom. Goraidh, the Scottish Gaelic variation of Godfrey, means peace of God.
3. What are some Scottish baby names that have a royal connection?
Names like Áed, Eochaid, Amlaíb, and Lulach have Scottish origins. They are also the names of Scottish monarchs over the years.
4. Who are some famous people with Scottish names?
Some famous people with Scottish names include Alexander Fleming, a physician who discovered penicillin, and Alexander Graham Bell, a famous scientist who invented the telephone. Bonnie Wright, an English actress with a Scottish name, famous for playing Ginny Weasley in the Harry Potter film series.
References
- The Birth of Scotland.
https://www.scotland.org/about-scotland/history - Ancient Scotland.
https://www.worldhistory.org/Scotland_(Ancient)/ - Quick and Easy Gaelic Names.
https://medievalscotland.org/scotnames/quickgaelicbynames/
