scotish last names: List of Common Scottish Surnames

Looking for common Scottish last names? This list compiles popular surnames originating from Scotland, offering a glimpse into the rich history and diverse heritage of the country. These names reflect the distinct culture and traditions that have shaped Scotland's identity.
1. Campbell: Derived from the Gaelic "Cambeul," meaning "crooked mouth" or "distorted mouth." This name originated in the Argyll region and has been associated with powerful clans and prominent figures throughout Scottish history.
2. Macdonald: A common Scottish surname derived from the Gaelic "Mac Dhomhnaill," meaning "son of Donald." This name is associated with the powerful Clan Donald, one of the largest and most influential clans in Scotland.
3. Stewart: Originating from the Gaelic "Steward," meaning "steward" or "manager." This name rose to prominence with the rise of the Stewart dynasty, which ruled Scotland for centuries.
4. Fraser: Derived from the Gaelic "Frasier," meaning "strawberry." This name is associated with the Clan Fraser, a prominent clan based in the Highlands.
5. Smith: A common surname across various cultures, including Scotland, derived from the English word "smith," meaning "blacksmith." This name reflects the importance of the blacksmith trade in medieval society.
6. Brown: A common surname derived from the English word "brown," referring to the color. This name is associated with people who lived in areas known for their brown soil or who possessed brown hair or eyes.
7. Wilson: A common surname derived from the English word "son," meaning "son of William." This patronymic name signifies the lineage of the bearer.
8. Miller: A common surname derived from the English word "miller," meaning "one who grinds grain." This name reflects the importance of the miller's trade in medieval society.
9. Anderson: A common surname derived from the English word "son," meaning "son of Andrew." This patronymic name signifies the lineage of the bearer.
10. Taylor: A common surname derived from the English word "tailor," meaning "one who makes clothes." This name reflects the importance of the tailor's trade in medieval society.
11. Ross: A common surname derived from the Gaelic word "Ros," meaning "promontory" or "headland." This name is associated with geographical features in Scotland.
12. Thomson: A common surname derived from the English word "son," meaning "son of Thomas." This patronymic name signifies the lineage of the bearer.
13. Clark: A common surname derived from the English word "clerk," meaning "scribe" or "secretary." This name reflects the importance of literacy in medieval society.
14. Henderson: A common surname derived from the English word "son," meaning "son of Henry." This patronymic name signifies the lineage of the bearer.
15. Murray: A common surname derived from the Gaelic word "Muireadhach," meaning "sea warrior." This name is associated with the Clan Murray, a prominent clan based in the Highlands.
16. Reid: A common surname derived from the Gaelic word "ruadh," meaning "red." This name likely originated from the color of the bearer's hair.
17. Hunter: A common surname derived from the English word "hunter," meaning "one who hunts." This name reflects the importance of hunting in medieval society.
18. Morrison: A common surname derived from the Gaelic "Mac Giolla Easbuig," meaning "son of the servant of the bishop." This name is associated with the Clan Morrison, a prominent clan based in the Highlands.
19. MacLeod: A common surname derived from the Gaelic "MacLeòid," meaning "son of Leòd." This name is associated with the Clan MacLeod, a powerful clan based in the Isle of Skye.
20. Graham: A common surname derived from the Gaelic "Gráinne," meaning "noble" or "exalted." This name is associated with the Clan Graham, a prominent clan based in the Highlands.
21. Grant: A common surname derived from the Gaelic "gràn," meaning "grain" or "kernel." This name is associated with the Clan Grant, a powerful clan based in the Highlands.
22. Williamson: A common surname derived from the English word "son," meaning "son of William." This patronymic name signifies the lineage of the bearer.
23. Scott: A common surname derived from the Gaelic "Scotice," meaning "Scottish." This name is associated with the people of Scotland and their language.
24. MacIntyre: A common surname derived from the Gaelic "Mac Iain Tire," meaning "son of John the Lord." This name is associated with the Clan MacIntyre, a prominent clan based in the Highlands.
25. Johnston: A common surname derived from the English word "son," meaning "son of John." This patronymic name signifies the lineage of the bearer.
26. McGregor: A common surname derived from the Gaelic "MacGriogair," meaning "son of Gregory." This name is associated with the Clan McGregor, a powerful clan based in the Highlands.
27. Mackenzie: A common surname derived from the Gaelic "Mac Coinneach," meaning "son of Kenneth." This name is associated with the Clan Mackenzie, a powerful clan based in the Highlands.
28. Davidson: A common surname derived from the English word "son," meaning "son of David." This patronymic name signifies the lineage of the bearer.
29. Watson: A common surname derived from the English word "son," meaning "son of Walter." This patronymic name signifies the lineage of the bearer.
30. Stewart: A common surname derived from the Gaelic "Steward," meaning "steward" or "manager." This name rose to prominence with the rise of the Stewart dynasty, which ruled Scotland for centuries.
31. Robertson: A common surname derived from the Gaelic "Mac Dhomhnaill," meaning "son of Donald." This name is associated with the powerful Clan Donald, one of the largest and most influential clans in Scotland.
32. Gallagher: A common surname derived from the Gaelic "Gallóglaich," meaning "Irish mercenary." This name is associated with people of Irish descent who served as soldiers in Scotland.
33. Hamilton: A common surname derived from the English word "ham," meaning "home" or "village." This name is associated with people who lived in a particular location.
34. Dunbar: A common surname derived from the Gaelic "Dùn Bheagain," meaning "fort of the little hill." This name is associated with a specific geographic location in Scotland.
35. Young: A common surname derived from the English word "young," meaning "youthful" or "inexperienced." This name likely originated from the bearer's age or appearance.
36. Gordon: A common surname derived from the Gaelic "Gòrdan," meaning "large valley." This name is associated with the Clan Gordon, a powerful clan based in the Highlands.
37. MacKay: A common surname derived from the Gaelic "Mac Aoidh," meaning "son of Hugh." This name is associated with the Clan MacKay, a prominent clan based in the Highlands.
38. Macdonald: A common surname derived from the Gaelic "Mac Dhomhnaill," meaning "son of Donald." This name is associated with the powerful Clan Donald, one of the largest and most influential clans in Scotland.
39. Shaw: A common surname derived from the English word "shaw," meaning "wood" or "grove." This name is associated with people who lived near a specific location.
40. Fleming: A common surname derived from the Gaelic "Flemhin," meaning "Flemish." This name is associated with people of Flemish origin who settled in Scotland.