Common Scottish Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide

Looking for the origins and meanings behind some of the most common Scottish last names? This comprehensive guide provides a detailed exploration of over 40 popular surnames, revealing their fascinating history and cultural significance. From the ancient clans to the modern day, these names have played a vital role in shaping Scottish identity and heritage. Discover the rich tapestry of meanings behind these timeless surnames, offering insights into the lives and traditions of Scotland's people.
1. **Anderson:** Son of Andrew, a popular name of Greek origin meaning "manly" or "strong".
2. **Armstrong:** "Strong arm" or "powerful arm", possibly referencing a skilled warrior or hunter.
3. **Bell:** A common occupational name for a bell maker.
4. **Brown:** A descriptive name for someone with brown hair or complexion.
5. **Campbell:** "Crooked mouth", likely referencing a particular physical characteristic of an ancestor.
6. **Clark:** A common occupational name for a cleric or secretary.
7. **Davidson:** Son of David, a biblical name meaning "beloved" or "friend".
8. **Duncan:** A Gaelic name meaning "dark warrior" or "brown warrior".
9. **Fraser:** "Strawberry", possibly referencing a place name or a person with red hair.
10. **Gordon:** A place name of French origin, referring to a valley in Picardy.
11. **Graham:** A place name of Gaelic origin, possibly meaning "gravelly place".
12. **Grant:** "Big" or "great", possibly referencing a powerful or influential individual.
13. **Hamilton:** A place name of Gaelic origin, possibly meaning "little hill by the ford".
14. **Henderson:** Son of Henry, a Germanic name meaning "ruler of the house".
15. **Hunter:** An occupational name for someone who hunts animals.
16. **Johnston:** Son of John, a Hebrew name meaning "God is gracious".
17. **Kennedy:** A Gaelic name meaning "descendant of the head" or "chief".
18. **Kerr:** A Gaelic name meaning "black" or "dark".
19. **King:** A descriptive name for someone who is a king or ruler.
20. **MacDonald:** Son of Donald, a Gaelic name meaning "world ruler".
21. **MacGregor:** Son of Gregor, a Gaelic name meaning "watchful" or "alert".
22. **MacKenzie:** Son of Kenneth, a Gaelic name meaning "handsome" or "fire".
23. **MacLean:** Son of Lachlan, a Gaelic name meaning "fierce" or "strong".
24. **MacLeod:** Son of Leod, a Gaelic name meaning "lion" or "warrior".
25. **MacMillan:** Son of Millan, a Gaelic name meaning "servant of God".
26. **MacPherson:** Son of Pherson, a Gaelic name meaning "son of the parson".
27. **Martin:** A Latin name meaning "warlike" or "dedicated to Mars".
28. **Miller:** An occupational name for someone who works in a mill.
29. **Morrison:** Son of Morris, a Gaelic name meaning "dark seafarer".
30. **Murray:** A Gaelic name meaning "sea warrior" or "sea defender".
31. **Neilson:** Son of Neil, a Gaelic name meaning "champion" or "cloud".
32. **Ogilvie:** A Gaelic name meaning "descendant of the little wolf".
33. **Ross:** A Gaelic name meaning "headland" or "promontory".
34. **Scott:** A Gaelic name meaning "from Scotland".
35. **Smith:** A common occupational name for someone who works with metal.
36. **Stewart:** A Gaelic name meaning "steward" or "manager".
37. **Thomson:** Son of Thomas, a Greek name meaning "twin".
38. **Watson:** Son of Walter, a German name meaning "ruler of the army".
39. **Wilson:** Son of William, a Germanic name meaning "resolute protector".
40. **Wright:** An occupational name for someone who builds or repairs things.