100 Scottish Names You’ll Love to Explore

Scottish names are full of charm, strength, and rich history. Whether it’s a bold warrior name or a soft, poetic gem, each carries a story from the Highlands to the Isles. Rooted in Gaelic, Celtic, Norse, and even literary traditions, these names reflect Scotland’s unique spirit. Some are inspired by nature, others by legends or places.

In this list, you’ll discover 100 Scottish names—first names and surnames—with meanings, origins, and cultural background. Perfect for baby names, characters, or anyone who loves Scottish culture. 📚👶✨

Ready to explore the magic? Let’s dive in! 🧙‍♂️

🧑‍🦱 Traditional Scottish Boy Names

1. Alasdair – Scottish Gaelic form of Alexander, meaning “defender of mankind.”

2. Ewan – Derived from the Gaelic Eòghan, meaning “born of the yew tree.”

3. Lachlan – Meaning “from the land of lakes,” it originally referred to Norse settlers.

4. Angus – From Aonghas, meaning “one strength” or “unique choice.”

5. Fergus – From Fearghas, meaning “man of strength.”

6. Callum – A name of Latin origin via Gaelic, meaning “dove,” symbolizing peace.

7. Dougal – From Dubhghall, meaning “dark stranger” (used for Viking settlers).

8. Hamish – The Scottish form of James, meaning “supplanter.”

9. Bruce – A Norman name famously tied to King Robert the Bruce of Scotland.

10. Tavish – A Scottish form of Thomas, meaning “twin.”

👧 Traditional Scottish Girl Names

11. Isla – Named after the beautiful Scottish island of Islay.

12. Morag – A traditional name meaning “great” or “sun.”

13. Ailsa – From Ailsa Craig, a rocky islet off the coast of Ayrshire.

14. Skye – A poetic and geographical name from the Isle of Skye.

15. Catriona – Pronounced “Katrina,” it’s a Gaelic form of Catherine.

16. Eilidh – Pronounced “Ay-lee,” it’s a form of Helen, meaning “light.”

17. Fiona – Created by Scottish poet James Macpherson, meaning “fair.”

18. Iona – From the peaceful island known for its ancient abbey.

19. Maisie – A cute Scottish nickname for Margaret, meaning “pearl.”

20. Sorcha – Means “bright” or “radiant” in Scottish Gaelic.

🏔️ Surnames Turned First Names

21. Campbell – Originally a surname meaning “crooked mouth.”

22. Blair – Meaning “field” or “plain,” often associated with serene landscapes.

23. MacKenzie – Meaning “son of the fair one.” Used now for boys and girls!

24. Fraser – A noble name with uncertain origins, but deeply Scottish.

25. Lennox – Derived from a place name meaning “elm grove.”

26. Murray – From Moray, a region in northern Scotland.

27. Cameron – Meaning “crooked nose,” but now seen as bold and charming.

28. Sinclair – From Saint-Clair, tied to Norman roots and Scottish nobility.

29. Kerr – Originally meant “left-handed.” A unique and edgy pick!

30. Munro – From the Gaelic Mac an Rothaich, “man from the River Roe.”

🦄 Names Inspired by Nature & Myth

31. Rowan – A unisex name referring to the red-berried tree, symbolizing protection.

32. Heather – Named after the hardy purple flower covering Scottish hills.

33. Glen – Meaning “valley,” evoking peaceful Scottish landscapes.

34. Nessa – Possibly tied to myth, meaning “not gentle” or “rough.”

35. Alba – The Gaelic name for Scotland itself.

36. Keir – Meaning “dark-haired,” sleek and strong.

37. Lorna – A literary name from The Maid of Lorne.

38. Ossian – A legendary Gaelic poet-hero.

39. Bradan – Means “salmon” in Gaelic, associated with wisdom in Celtic lore.

40. Elspeth – A Scottish form of Elizabeth, meaning “God is my oath.”

👶 Modern & Trendy Scottish Names

41. Ainsley – Originally a surname, now a stylish unisex first name.

42. Brodie – A fashionable name with debated origins—possibly “little ridge.”

43. Caelan – Gaelic for “slender” or “victorious people.”

44. Greer – A sleek girl’s name meaning “watchful, alert.”

45. Finlay – Means “fair hero,” a popular boy’s name across Scotland.

46. Kerris – A modern variation with a lyrical twist.

47. Logan – A super popular name meaning “little hollow.”

48. Paisley – From the colorful textile pattern and Scottish town.

49. Arran – Inspired by the Isle of Arran, bold and earthy.

50. Teagan – Meaning “little poet,” a sweet and energetic name.

⚔️ Heroic & Warrior-Inspired Names

51. Wallace – Tied to freedom fighter William Wallace of Braveheart fame.

52. MacDuff – A bold name from Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

53. Duncan – Meaning “dark warrior,” also featured in Macbeth.

54. Boyd – Means “yellow” or “fair-haired,” strong and direct.

55. Gillean – A warrior name meaning “servant of St. John.”

56. Ramsay – A noble Scottish surname turned powerful first name.

57. Graeme – A variant of Graham, meaning “gravelly homestead.”

58. Innes – Meaning “island,” stylish and sleek.

59. Donnan – Means “brown-haired warrior.”

60. Gilmore – Gaelic for “servant of Mary,” bold and refined.

💙 Gentle & Poetic Scottish Names

61. Sheena – Scottish form of Jane, meaning “God is gracious.”

62. Davina – Feminine form of David, meaning “beloved.”

63. Aileen – A version of Eilidh or Helen, meaning “light.”

64. Lilias – A delicate floral name.

65. Morven – Named after a poetic Scottish mountain range.

66. Shona – A version of Joan, peaceful and classic.

67. Kenna – Feminine form of Kenneth, meaning “born of fire.”

68. Mirren – A variation of Marion, soft and sweet.

69. Rhona – A mysterious and melodic name.

70. Marsaili – Gaelic form of Marcella, graceful and rare.

🌍 Place-Inspired Scottish Names

71. Dundee – A strong, distinctive name from the city.

72. Elgin – From the town in Moray, charming and noble.

73. Stirling – Classy and cool, from the Scottish royal city.

74. Ayr – Short and sweet, tied to a coastal town and Robert Burns.

75. Fife – Quirky and punchy, from the historical region.

76. Kilmarnock – A mouthful, but powerful and distinct.

77. Oban – A coastal gem, perfect for travel lovers.

78. Leith – Sleek and modern, from Edinburgh’s port area.

79. Dundee – A bold name that’s rising in popularity.

80. Perth – A simple name with a strong global presence.

🧭 Rare & Unique Scottish Gems

81. Athol – From a Highland region, noble and ancient.

82. Mairead – Scottish form of Margaret, meaning “pearl.”

83. Tormod – A bold Viking-Scottish crossover name.

84. Isobel – A classic variant of Isabel, meaning “God is my oath.”

85. Aodh – Pronounced “Ee,” means “fire,” ancient and powerful.

86. Ninian – After a 5th-century saint who spread Christianity.

87. Crichton – Rare and strong, originally a place name.

88. Eòin – Gaelic for John, pronounced “yo-in.”

89. Sorley – Means “summer traveler,” poetic and rugged.

90. Ceit – A rare Scottish version of Kate.

🌟 Bonus: Scottish Surnames with Heritage

91. MacGregor – From the clan of Rob Roy; means “son of Gregor.”

92. MacLeod – Meaning “son of Leod,” rooted in Norse-Scottish culture.

93. MacRae – Associated with loyalty and Highland valor.

94. Stewart – From the royal House of Stuart, historically regal.

95. Douglas – A noble name meaning “dark stream.”

96. MacNab – Means “son of the abbot,” unique and memorable.

97. MacFarlane – A storied clan with deep Highland roots.

98. Barclay – A name of Scottish and Norman descent.

99. Colquhoun – Pronounced “Ca-hoon,” noble and distinctive.

100. Drummond – Meaning “ridge,” ancient and evocative.

More Than Just Names—They’re Scottish Stories

Scottish names aren’t just beautiful—they’re full of meaning, legacy, and lyrical charm. Whether drawn from history, nature, mythology, or geography, each name carries a piece of Scotland’s rugged soul and poetic spirit. 🐉

Whether you’re naming a baby, writing a novel, or simply curious about Scottish culture, we hope this list sparked inspiration.If you enjoyed this list, share it with fellow name lovers, writers, or anyone enchanted by Scotland’s charm! 💌