483 Scottish Baby Boy Names With Meanings

scottish-baby-boy-names-with-meanings

Scottish names are rooted in the country's rich culture and traditions. Many Scottish baby boy names reflect ancient Celtic mythology and legends. In Scottish communities, a special naming ceremony is organized to celebrate the birth of a child and give them a name (1). Scottish people do not conduct this ceremony in a rush. In fact, it can be organized as late as the child's first birthday celebration. The ritual involves parental promises to the young one and, sometimes, a symbolic action. This action can be a communal blessing by the guests or something like planting a tree. This naming ceremony can also be conducted to change a name or confer a unique name on someone honoring an age, stage transition, or accomplishment. In Scotland, this humanist naming ceremony is a lovely way of welcoming a human being into the family and recognizing their given or personal name. This ceremony may be a non-religious equivalent of events like christenings and baptisms. Scottish baby boy names have intriguing symbolism that appeals to people worldwide. A vast majority of Scottish names are derived from the indigenous Gaelic language, earlier spoken throughout Scotland. As the Gaels came from Ireland to Scotland, older Irish and Scottish naming pools were similar (2). Gaelic-origin names follow a binary; there is hardly any overlap between male and female names, even if the name is gender-neutral in meaning. Historically, Gaelic surnames were patronymic. The father’s first name would become a part of the son or daughter’s last name. This naming convention has fallen out of use today. You can find uncommon, classic, traditional, and modern names in this language. Although middle names were not used in Scotland until the 16th century, these Scottish names will sync well with an array of middle names. So, you can be sure of having a sweet-sounding baby boy name. It's time to quickly explore this extensive list of Scottish names and find your favorite one.

NameGenderMeaning
heart image Ogilvy Unisex Baby Sign Unisex One who shows leniency and compassion towards offenders; Disposition of being kind and forgiving
heart image Oglesby Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Not widely known; Especially valued for its uncommonness; Not widely distributed
heart image Ord Baby Boy Sign Boy A hammer or a point
heart image Oryn Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Light; Pine tree
heart image Paton Baby Boy Sign Boy A royal and humble person; warrior's town
heart image Peden Baby Boy Sign Boy Son of Paidin
heart image Pefen Baby Boy Sign Boy Having individuality and confidence
heart image Perth Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Thicket; Bush; A city in western Australia
heart image Puspabhusan Baby Boy Sign Boy A flower-made ornament
heart image Rabbie Baby Boy Sign Boy A bright flame
heart image Raith Baby Boy Sign Boy Small fortress
heart image Ranald Baby Boy Sign Boy Form of Ronale, one who rules with counsel
heart image Ranulf Baby Boy Sign Boy A shield of wolf
heart image Ranulph Baby Boy Sign Boy Shield-wolf
heart image Reddick Baby Boy Sign Boy Reddish or reddish hair
heart image Reid Baby Boy Sign Boy Red-haired
heart image Rell Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Strong, charismatic, determined
heart image Reyne Unisex Baby Sign Unisex To rule; The ruling counselor; Queen: Rath chain
heart image Riderch Baby Boy Sign Boy Scottish king
heart image Robeson Baby Boy Sign Boy Son of a famous and bright man
heart image Rodric Baby Boy Sign Boy A man who is legendary for his good ruling
heart image Rodrick Baby Boy Sign Boy A person who is notable for his rule
heart image Rollins Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Famous or renowned
heart image Ron Baby Boy Sign Boy Ruler's counselor
heart image Ronnee Baby Boy Sign Boy A mighty powerful conselor
heart image Ronnie Baby Boy Sign Boy Ruler; Advice; Decision; Bringer of victory
heart image Roslin Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Beautiful; Creative; Inspiring
heart image Rosse Unisex Baby Sign Unisex A headland or a cape
heart image Rozen Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Flower; Beauty
heart image Ruairi Baby Boy Sign Boy A crimson-haired royal ruler
heart image Ruarai Baby Boy Sign Boy A royal ruler with red hair
heart image Ruskin Baby Boy Sign Boy One who is from the family of tanners
heart image Ruthven Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Raven's stream
heart image Ryze Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Strong; Powerful; Dynamic
heart image Scotia Unisex Baby Sign Unisex The land of Scots
heart image Scotlyn Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Scottish heritage; Femininity
heart image Scotlynn Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Waterfall; Pool
heart image Selkie Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Gray seal; Shape-shifting creature
heart image Senga Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Pure; Chaste
heart image Seoras Baby Boy Sign Boy Farmer
heart image Steaphan Baby Boy Sign Boy One who wears the crown
heart image Sterlin Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Pure; Of high quality
heart image Stew Baby Boy Sign Boy He who is someone's steward
heart image Struan Baby Boy Sign Boy He who lives near the stream
heart image Syme Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Listening intently
heart image Synclaire Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Clear; Bright
heart image Taigh Unisex Baby Sign Unisex House; Home
heart image Tavey Baby Boy Sign Boy Twin
heart image Tay Unisex Baby Sign Unisex River; From the river
heart image Tearlach Baby Boy Sign Boy A strong man
heart image Tee Unisex Baby Sign Unisex The small stand on which a golf ball is placed
heart image Tenleigh Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Delicate; Energetic; Imaginative
heart image Tevis Baby Boy Sign Boy Twin
heart image Teyla Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Strong, graceful, and inspirational
heart image Thayne Baby Boy Sign Boy The one who follows
heart image Thistle Baby Boy Sign Boy A plant
heart image Thomeson Baby Boy Sign Boy Scottish surname; Son of Thom
heart image Thorburn Baby Boy Sign Boy A Scottish surname; Thunder
heart image Thoryn Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Strong; Noble; Fierce
heart image Toran Baby Boy Sign Boy A watchtower over the hill
heart image Toren Baby Boy Sign Boy A craggy hilltop used as a watchtower
heart image Torquil Baby Boy Sign Boy A large pot or kettle of thunder god
heart image Torrance Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Chief of the hills
heart image Torren Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Chief; Little hills
heart image Torrence Baby Boy Sign Boy One from the hills
heart image Trevis Baby Boy Sign Boy A wise and prudent person
heart image Trigg Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Strong; Bold
heart image Trotter Baby Boy Sign Boy A messenger
heart image Tulloch Baby Boy Sign Boy A name for hillock and a mound; interresting
heart image Tylynn Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Graceful; Beautiful
heart image Tyree Baby Boy Sign Boy Land of the fierce
heart image Tyrie Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Strong and determined
heart image Vaden Baby Boy Sign Boy Well-known; Respected leader
heart image Vaila Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Fairy princess, ethereal beauty
heart image Watson Baby Boy Sign Boy Son of Watt
heart image Webb Unisex Baby Sign Unisex A weaver or textile worker
heart image Wick Unisex Baby Sign Unisex dairy farm or dweller by the dairy farm
heart image Wilden Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Wild; Untamed
heart image Williamson Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Son of William
heart image Winford Baby Boy Sign Boy River crossing
heart image Wylie Unisex Baby Sign Unisex Clever and skilled
heart image Wynton Baby Boy Sign Boy Resilient and determined
heart image Wystan Baby Boy Sign Boy battle stone or fierce contemplator
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This extensive list of Scottish baby boy names with meanings will help if you are stuck searching for your child’s name. With Gaelic origins, these names adequately showcase the nation's history and rich heritage. You can undoubtedly find many timeless classics in this list that will help you honor your roots. If you want, you can also explore the origin and meaning of a specific name in greater detail. It will certainly make your search process more enriching.

Infographic: Resplendent Scottish Baby Names With Meanings

Scottish baby names are often inspired by different elements of the region, such as nature, topography, mythical characters, and ancient historical heroes. Different languages and neighboring countries also influence Scottish names. The phonetic sounds of the language cause the names to exhibit a melodic charm, setting them apart from names in other cultures. Have a look at the infographic for some popular Scottish baby names and their meanings.

radiant scottish baby names with meanings (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Infographic: Bold And Handsome Scottish Baby Boy Names

Scotland is renowned for its rich culture dating back several centuries. The male names in the Scottish language evoke images of fearlessness and royalty. That is why parents explore them for their little ones. If you are mesmerized by this unique and vibrant country, the names in this infographic will surely appeal to you.

splendid scottish baby boy names (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which Scottish baby boy names mean gift from God?

Theniel is a Scottish baby boy name that can be translated to mean gift from God. This name is the Truncated form of the name Nathaniel which ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Netan'el meaning God has given.

2. What are some Scottish baby boy names that are easy to pronounce in English?

Some popular Scottish boy names that may be easier to pronounce in English are Andrew meaning man or masculine; James, meaning supplanter; and Scott, meaning hailing from Scotland or a Gaelic speaker.

3. Are there any Scottish baby boy names that are popular internationally?

Some of the most popular Scottish names in the US include Alan meaning little rock or handsome; Bruce, meaning the willowlands; David, meaning beloved and Scott, meaning someone from Scotland or a Gaelic speaker (1).

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.
  1. Naming ceremonies.
    https://www.humanisminscotland.org/ceremony/naming-ceremonies/
  2. Given names.
    https://medievalscotland.org/scotnames/quickgaelicbynames/#givennames
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