Scottish first names: History, meaning and trends
Scottish names are steeped in Celtic, Gaelic and Nordic culture. Some evoke majestic landscapes, while others recall mythological figures or ancient traditions. Their musicality and profound meaning make them unique and timeless choices.
Summary
Good to know
1. Growing popularity : In 2023, Isla and Jack were the most popular names in Scotland, according to National Records of Scotland.
2. International trend: The Scottish name Callum has become one of the 100 most popular names in the UK and Australia.
3. Traditional names in decline: Older names such as Fergus and Morag have dropped in popularity by over 70% in the last 50 years.
How to pronounce Scottish names?
Scottish first names, especially those of Gaelic origin, can be surprisingly spelled. Here are a few names with simplified pronunciations to help you get to grips with them:
- Alasdair → Al-uh-stair
- Callum → Ka-lum
- Eilidh → Ay-lee
- Lachlan → Lack-lan
- Hamish → Hay-mish
- Isla → Eye-la
- Fionnlagh (Finlay) → Fin-lay
- Rory → Ror-ee
- Siùsaidh (equivalent of Susan) → Shoo-say
- Mairi (variant of Marie) → Mar-ee
These phonetic peculiarities are inherited from Scottish Gaelic, which uses specific letter combinations to produce distinctive sounds. Once familiarized, these names become natural to pronounce!
Origin and influence of Scottish names
First names traditionally borne in Scotland have their roots in several cultural influences:
- Scottish Gaelic, a Celtic language still spoken in some regions, gave rise to names like Ewan, Mairi or Hamish.
- Nordic languages, from the Viking invasions, inspired names like Lachlan or Innes.
- Anglo-Saxon and British heritage, which favored the popularity of names like Fergus, Malcolm or Isla.
Scottish first names for men and their meanings
Scottish first names for boys are often associated with bravery, nobility and nature.
- Alasdair – Defender of humanity (equivalent to Alexander)
- Callum – Dove, symbol of peace
- Angus – Strength and vigor
- Ewan – Young warrior
- Duncan – Brown warrior or clan leader
- Malcolm – Disciple of Saint Columba
- Lachlan – Man of the lake
- Gregor – Vigilant, alert
- Hamish – Scottish equivalent of Jacques, meaning “he who replaces”.
- Rory – Red king, associated with Scottish nobility
Scottish names for women and their meanings
Scottish girls’ names are often associated with nature, beauty and spirituality.
- Isla – Inspired by the Scottish island of Islay
- Fiona – White, pure
- Skye – Inspired by the Isle of Skye
- Eilidh – Bright, radiant
- Mairi – Scottish equivalent of Marie
- Bonnie – Pretty, charming
- Morag – Great, noble
- Ailsa – Inspired by the Isle of Ailsa Craig
- Elspeth – Scottish equivalent of Élisabeth, meaning “consecrated to God”.
- Kenna – Born of fire, strength
Scottish first names inspired by nature
Scotland, with its wild landscapes, has inspired many names linked to mountains, rivers and natural elements.
- Isla – Inspired by the river Isla and the island of Islay.
- Skye – In reference to the Isle of Skye
- Lachlan – Man of the lake
- Blaine – Plain, valley
- Ross – Rocky cape
- Heather – Heather, emblematic plant of the Highlands
- Glen – Valley
- Muir – Sea
Scottish names linked to mythology and history
Some Scottish first names are derived from Celtic legends and historical figures.
- Fergus – Name of a legendary Scottish king and hero
- Lennox – Ancient Scottish county, associated with nobility
- Macbeth – Inspired by King Macbeth, made famous by Shakespeare
- Donald – Inspired by the ancient Scottish kings, meaning “ruler of the world”.
- Iona – Name of a sacred island in Scotland, associated with Celtic Christianity
- Brice – 6th-century Scottish saint
- Morgaine – Inspired by Arthurian and Celtic legends
- Douglas – Name of a powerful Scottish clan, meaning “dark water”.
Scottish names on trend in 2025
In recent years, a number of Scottish first names have gained in popularity, both in Scotland and internationally.
- Short, modern names: Isla, Skye, Ewan, Rory
- Back to tradition: Callum, Fergus, Elspeth, Malcolm
- The influence of TV series and films: Outlander popularized Jamie and Claire.
- Names linked to nature: Glen, Heather, Ross
Celebrity names of Scottish origin
Many celebrities bear Scottish first names, contributing to their fame.
- Ewan McGregor (actor) – Ewan means “young warrior”.
- Sean Connery (actor) – Sean, of Irish origin, is also very common in Scotland.
- Bonnie Wright (actress) – Bonnie means “pretty” in Scottish
- Isla Fisher (actress) – Isla comes from the name of the river Isla in Scotland.
- Rory McIlroy (golfer) – Rory means “red king”.
FAQ about Scottish first names
Why are Scottish names unique?
Their origins lie in Gaelic, Scots and Celtic traditions, giving them a rich history and a distinctive sound.
What are the most popular Scottish names?
popular
Are Scottish names easy to pronounce?
Some names, such as Isla, Fiona or Ross, are easy to pronounce, while others, such as Eilidh (Ay-lee) or Lachlan (Lack-lan), require some learning.
Are there any rare Scottish names?
Yes, names like Morag, Muir or Lennox are less common, but are very much part of Scottish culture.
Marie’s anecdotes
A name inspired by a legend
The name Fionnlagh (now Finlay) means “white warrior” and was borne by several Scottish chiefs. It is said to have been inspired by the famous mythical warrior Fionn mac Cumhaill, who is said to have built the Giant’s Causeway linking Scotland to Ireland.A name that has conquered Hollywood
The name Isla, widely popular outside Scotland, owes its success in part to actress Isla Fisher. Before the 2000s, this name was little known internationally, but since then it has become one of the most popular Scottish feminine names in the USA and Australia.
Scottish names, whether traditional or modern, offer great diversity and a strong connection with history and nature. Their linguistic richness makes them timeless and evocative choices.
Source : Highland titles, Forvo
