Scottish Names: A Comprehensive Guide to Meaning and Origin

Discover the rich history and captivating meanings behind Scottish names. From ancient Gaelic roots to modern influences, this list explores a diverse range of names that have shaped Scottish identity. Whether you're seeking a traditional name with deep ancestral ties or a unique and modern choice, this guide provides a comprehensive resource for understanding the significance of Scottish names.
1. **Ailsa:** Meaning "island in the sea" or "promontory," this name is derived from the Gaelic word "eilean."
2. **Angus:** Meaning "one strength" or "single strength," this name is derived from the Gaelic word "aonghus."
3. **Anya:** A popular and charming name with a few possible origins, including the Gaelic "aoibhneas" meaning "joy," and the Slavic "Ania" meaning "grace."
4. **Arran:** Meaning "eagle's nest" or "high place," this name originates from the Gaelic word "àran."
5. **Blair:** Meaning "field" or "meadow," this name is derived from the Gaelic word "blàr."
6. **Calum:** Meaning "dove" or "small dove," this name is derived from the Gaelic word "columba."
7. **Cameron:** Meaning "crooked nose" or "bent nose," this name is derived from the Gaelic word "cam."
8. **Cara:** Meaning "friend" or "beloved," this name is derived from the Gaelic word "cara."
9. **Catriona:** Meaning "love" or "charity," this name is derived from the Gaelic word "cathrion."
10. **Ciaran:** Meaning "little dark one" or "black," this name is derived from the Gaelic word "ciarán."
11. **Colin:** Meaning "victory of the people" or "young warrior," this name is derived from the Gaelic word "colin."
12. **Conall:** Meaning "strong wolf" or "wolf of the battle," this name is derived from the Gaelic word "conall."
13. **Craig:** Meaning "rock" or "crag," this name is derived from the Gaelic word "creag."
14. **Eilidh:** Meaning "bright one" or "radiant," this name is derived from the Gaelic word "eilidh."
15. **Fiona:** Meaning "fair" or "white," this name is derived from the Gaelic word "fionn."
16. **Fraser:** Meaning "strawberry" or "raspberry," this name is derived from the Gaelic word "fraisear."
17. **Gaelic:** Meaning "foreign" or "strange," this name is derived from the Gaelic word "gaidheal."
18. **Hamish:** Meaning "supplanter" or "God is gracious," this name is derived from the Gaelic word "aonghas."
19. **Iain:** Meaning "God is gracious" or "the Lord is gracious," this name is derived from the Hebrew word "Yahweh."
20. **Isla:** Meaning "island" or "isle," this name is derived from the Gaelic word "eilean."
21. **James:** Meaning "supplanter" or "God is gracious," this name is derived from the Hebrew word "Ya'akov."
22. **Kieran:** Meaning "little dark one" or "black," this name is derived from the Gaelic word "ciarán."
23. **Lachlan:** Meaning "land of the lake" or "lake-dweller," this name is derived from the Gaelic word "lochlann."
24. **Liam:** Meaning "strong-willed warrior" or "protector," this name is derived from the Gaelic word "liam."
25. **Logan:** Meaning "small hollow" or "depression," this name is derived from the Gaelic word "logan."
26. **MacKenzie:** Meaning "son of Kenneth," this name is derived from the Gaelic words "mac" and "caineach."
27. **MacLeod:** Meaning "son of Leòd," this name is derived from the Gaelic words "mac" and "leòd."
28. **Magnus:** Meaning "great" or "powerful," this name is derived from the Old Norse word "magnus."
29. **Mairi:** Meaning "bitter" or "sea," this name is derived from the Hebrew word "Miriam."
30. **Murdo:** Meaning "sea warrior" or "man of the sea," this name is derived from the Gaelic word "murchadh."
31. **Neil:** Meaning "champion" or "cloud," this name is derived from the Gaelic word "neil."
32. **Niall:** Meaning "champion" or "cloud," this name is derived from the Gaelic word "niall."
33. **Orla:** Meaning "golden princess" or "golden rule," this name is derived from the Gaelic word "órfhlaith."
34. **Rory:** Meaning "red king" or "fiery king," this name is derived from the Gaelic word "ruadhri."
35. **Sean:** Meaning "God is gracious" or "the Lord is gracious," this name is derived from the Hebrew word "Yahweh."
36. **Skye:** Meaning "island" or "isle," this name is derived from the Gaelic word "sgiath."
37. **Sorley:** Meaning "strong warrior" or "mighty warrior," this name is derived from the Gaelic word "seorsa."
38. **Stewart:** Meaning "steward" or "caretaker," this name is derived from the Gaelic word "stiùbhard."
39. **Talisker:** Meaning "beautiful bay" or "lovely bay," this name is derived from the Gaelic words "tal" and "uisge."
40. **William:** Meaning "resolute protector" or "strong willed warrior," this name is derived from the German word "wilhelm."