Scottish Names
- Lilias
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"lily"Description:
An unusual flower name deriving from the Latin word for lily (lilium), this variant has always been popular in Scotland.
- Irvin
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"handsome, fair of face"Description:
Irvin is an Old Man name that has an uncertain future. Losing the final g in Irving makes the name slightly less dated -- but just slightly. There's something about the 'erv' sound that makes Irvin and brothers feel unappealing.
- Paisley
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"church, cemetery"Description:
Taken from a Scottish town, a Scots surname, and the name of an intricately patterned fabric, Paisley means "church" or "cemetery." It ranks highly for girls and is in US Top 100. It may feel a little swirly to ever catch on for boys, but with gentle names like Rowan, Teddy, Casey, Emery, and Trace rising in the US, and Hadley, Oakley, McKenzie, and Presley ranking in the UK, Paisley might one day be considered for any gender. Paisley Currah, a political scientist, professor, author and advocate for transgender rights, is a notable bearer of the name.
- Graeme
Origin:
Scottish variation of GrahamDescription:
An interesting vowel combination lightens up Graham.
- Kenny
Origin:
Diminutive of KennethDescription:
Kenny might be all South Park to some, but it has been in steady use in the US since the 1930s.
- Caitriona
Origin:
Gaelic variation of CatherineMeaning:
"pure"Description:
Both Caitriona and Catriona are commonly heard in Scotland and Ireland. The name was brought to Ireland by the Anglo-Normans, and is the source of nicknames Cait, Caitin, Caitlin and Triona. Actress Caitrona Balfe has gained recognition for her role on Outlander. Pronunciation is like Katrina.
- Naim
Origin:
Scottish; ArabicMeaning:
"river with alder trees; happy"Description:
Naim, also sometimes spelled Naime, is a pleasant choice that may have some confusing pronunciation issues in English-speaking countries (where may will say this name as "name"). But don't let that deter you if you're in love with this moniker.
- Kester
Origin:
Scottish form of ChristopherMeaning:
"one who carries Christ"Description:
Nearly unknown outside the British Isles, this old Scottish variation has a sleek surname feel that can make an excellent update of the flagging Christopher.
- Aili
Origin:
Finnish and Sami variation of Helga, diminutive of Aileen, Anglicization of EilidhMeaning:
"holy, blessed; bright and shining light"Description:
An attractive Scandinavian take on Helga, or a potential Helen nickname.
- Munro
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"mouth of the river Ro"Description:
Takes Monroe out of the Dead Presidents category and gives it new life.
- Dougal
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"dark stranger"Description:
Heard in the Scottish highlands, and much more in tune with the present times than the dated Douglas — for which it could make a perfect tribute name. Dougal was the Scottish nickname for invading dark-haired Danish Vikings, just as Fingal was given to the blonder Norwegians.
- Torquil
Origin:
Scottish from NorseMeaning:
"Thor's cauldron"Description:
Torquil, is a quirky but intriguing option that evolved from an ancient Scandinavian nameand was imported into Scotland by the Vikings. The Gaelic form of the name is Torcaill.
- Mairi
Origin:
Scottish variation of MaryMeaning:
"bitter"Description:
Why does Mairi (rhymes with Harry) seem so much cooler than Mary? This Irish form of Mary was not used before the seventeenth century, as it was considered too sacred. The vocative case of the name, Mhairi (pronounced VAH-ree), is also used as a given name in Scotland.
- Willamina
Origin:
Variation of Wilhelmina, GermanMeaning:
"resolute protection"Description:
Classic Wilhelmina is still the dominant form of this name, but the more intuitive, streamlined Willamina is rising alongside it. The phonetic spelling eliminates some of Wilhelmina's bulk, taking it from geek-chic to modern feminissima.
- Kenzie
Origin:
Short form of Mackenzie, ScottishMeaning:
"son of Kenneth"Description:
Overwhelmingly feminine in the US, where parent name Mackenzie is wildly popular, but masculine in the UK, where Kenzie ranks among the Top 1000 names for baby boys.
- Eachann
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"keeper of horses"Description:
Authentic Gaelic name with pronunciation problems in the US. In Scotland Eachann has been anglicized as Hector, not because of its sound, but because the Trojan hero Hector had the reputation as a mighty horseman.
- Grier
Origin:
Scottish, spelling variation of GreerMeaning:
"alert, watchful"Description:
Brooke Shields chose this name for her younger daughter. It's one of the original androgynous movie star names, precursor to Drew and Glenn and Cameron, borne by Greer Garson.
- Collins
Origin:
Surname derived from Nicholas or ColinDescription:
Though Collins makes the Top 1000 for girls, it sounds strong and handsome for boys too, kind of like the newly-stylish Brooks. The final s updates it from the 80s-ish Colin or the Twilightish Cullen. Might make an innovative honorific for a grandpa Nick.
- Camden
Origin:
ScottishMeaning:
"winding valley"Description:
Newly popular boys' name could cross over in much the way the related Cameron has.
- Rona
Origin:
Scottish spelling variation of Rhona; Norwegian; HebrewMeaning:
"might; song"Description:
Rona ranked in the US Top 1000 in the mid-20th century but holds new meaning in the 2020s. "Rona" has become slang for coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, which gives the name a dark and somber edge. In 2020, Rona was given to 17 baby girls (a fall from 26 the previous year). In 2021, it dropped to just 5 — we expect it to drop off the list entirely in the years to come.