Scots-Irish Last Names: A Comprehensive Guide

Scots-Irish last names, often referred to as Ulster-Scots surnames, offer a fascinating glimpse into the history and cultural heritage of a unique group of people. These names, derived from Gaelic, English, and Norman origins, reflect the diverse influences that shaped the Scots-Irish diaspora. From the rolling hills of Ireland to the Appalachian Mountains of America, these surnames have become a part of the cultural fabric of many nations. This comprehensive list explores the origins and meanings of over 40 common Scots-Irish last names, providing valuable insight into the rich history and enduring legacy of this vibrant community.
1. **Anderson:** Son of Andrew, a common name meaning "manly" or "strong."
2. **Armstrong:** Strong arm, referring to a powerful warrior.
3. **Bell:** A maker of bells, an occupation that was prominent in the Middle Ages.
4. **Black:** A descriptive name for someone with dark hair or complexion.
5. **Blair:** A meadow or clearing in a forest, often associated with a specific location.
6. **Boyd:** A name of Gaelic origin, meaning "yellow" or "fair-haired."
7. **Brown:** Another descriptive name, referring to someone with brown hair or complexion.
8. **Campbell:** A name of Gaelic origin, meaning "crooked mouth" or "twisted mouth."
9. **Carson:** A name of Gaelic origin, meaning "son of the red-haired one."
10. **Crawford:** A name of Gaelic origin, meaning "strength of the crow."
11. **Cunningham:** A name of Gaelic origin, meaning "son of the warrior."
12. **Davidson:** Son of David, a biblical name meaning "beloved."
13. **Davis:** Son of David, a biblical name meaning "beloved."
14. **Duncan:** A name of Gaelic origin, meaning "dark warrior" or "brown warrior."
15. **Edwards:** Son of Edward, a name meaning "wealthy guardian" or "rich protector."
16. **Ferguson:** Son of Fergus, a name of Gaelic origin meaning "vigorous" or "strong."
17. **Fitzgerald:** Son of Gerald, a name of German origin meaning "spear rule."
18. **Fleming:** A name of Flemish origin, meaning "one from Flanders."
19. **Foster:** A name of English origin, meaning "someone who fosters or rears."
20. **Fraser:** A name of Gaelic origin, meaning "strawberry" or "red-haired."
21. **Gardner:** A name of English origin, meaning "one who tends a garden."
22. **Gibson:** Son of Gilbert, a name meaning "bright hostage."
23. **Graham:** A name of Gaelic origin, meaning "gravelly place" or "rocky area."
24. **Hamilton:** A name of Gaelic origin, meaning "high settlement" or "hillside."
25. **Harper:** A name of English origin, meaning "one who plays the harp."
26. **Harrison:** Son of Harry, a name meaning "home ruler" or "army ruler."
27. **Henderson:** Son of Henry, a name meaning "ruler of the home."
28. **Higgins:** A name of English origin, meaning "son of Hugh."
29. **Hill:** A descriptive name for someone who lived near a hill.
30. **Houston:** A name of Gaelic origin, meaning "high town" or "settlement on the hill."
31. **Hunter:** A name of English origin, meaning "one who hunts."
32. **Jackson:** Son of Jack, a diminutive form of John, meaning "God is gracious."
33. **Johnson:** Son of John, a biblical name meaning "God is gracious."
34. **Johnston:** Son of John, a biblical name meaning "God is gracious."
35. **Jones:** Son of John, a biblical name meaning "God is gracious."
36. **Kennedy:** A name of Gaelic origin, meaning "head of the family" or "chieftain."
37. **King:** A name of English origin, meaning "ruler" or "chieftain."
38. **Kirkpatrick:** A name of Gaelic origin, meaning "church of Patrick."
39. **Lee:** A descriptive name for someone who lived near a meadow or clearing.
40. **Lewis:** A name of German origin, meaning "famous warrior" or "battle-famous."
41. **Logan:** A name of Gaelic origin, meaning "hollow" or "cave."
42. **MacDonald:** Son of Donald, a name of Gaelic origin meaning "world ruler."
43. **McGregor:** Son of Gregor, a name of Gaelic origin meaning "watchful" or "vigilant."
44. **McKinley:** A name of Gaelic origin, meaning "son of the king."
45. **Miller:** A name of English origin, meaning "one who grinds grain."
46. **Mitchell:** Son of Michael, a biblical name meaning "who is like God."
47. **Moore:** A name of Gaelic origin, meaning "moor" or "marsh."
48. **Murphy:** A name of Gaelic origin, meaning "sea warrior" or "descendant of Murchad."
49. **Nelson:** Son of Neil, a name of Gaelic origin meaning "champion" or "bright one."
50. **O'Brien:** A name of Gaelic origin, meaning "descendant of Brian."
51. **O'Connor:** A name of Gaelic origin, meaning "descendant of Conchobhar."
52. **O'Neil:** A name of Gaelic origin, meaning "descendant of Niall."
53. **Patterson:** Son of Patrick, a biblical name meaning "nobleman" or "patrician."
54. **Phillips:** Son of Philip, a name meaning "lover of horses."
55. **Powell:** A name of English origin, meaning "pool" or "spring of water."
56. **Reid:** A name of Gaelic origin, meaning "red-haired."
57. **Robertson:** Son of Robert, a name meaning "bright fame" or "shining glory."
58. **Robinson:** Son of Robin, a diminutive form of Robert, meaning "bright fame" or "shining glory."
59. **Rogers:** A name of German origin, meaning "famous spearman."
60. **Ross:** A name of Gaelic origin, meaning "headland" or "promontory."
61. **Russell:** A name of French origin, meaning "red-haired."
62. **Scott:** A name of Gaelic origin, meaning "Scot" or "Irishman."
63. **Shepherd:** A name of English origin, meaning "one who tends sheep."
64. **Smith:** A name of English origin, meaning "one who works with metal."
65. **Stewart:** A name of Gaelic origin, meaning "steward" or "caretaker."
66. **Thompson:** Son of Thomas, a biblical name meaning "twin."
67. **Walker:** A name of English origin, meaning "one who walks."
68. **Wallace:** A name of Gaelic origin, meaning "foreigner" or "stranger."
69. **Watson:** Son of Walter, a name meaning "powerful ruler" or "army ruler."
70. **Wilson:** Son of William, a name meaning "resolute protector" or "determined helmet."
71. **Wright:** A name of English origin, meaning "one who works with wood."
72. **Young:** A descriptive name for someone who is young or youthful.