Scots-Irish Names: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Origins and Meanings

Scots-Irish names, also known as Ulster-Scots names, have a rich history and a unique blend of Gaelic and English influences. These names often reflect the strong sense of community, faith, and resilience of the Scots-Irish people. Exploring the meanings behind these names provides a fascinating glimpse into their cultural heritage and the values they hold dear. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the origins and meanings of a diverse range of Scots-Irish names, offering insights into their enduring significance.
1. **Aileen:** Meaning "bright light" or "beautiful" in Gaelic. It is a variant of the name Eileen.
2. **Alan:** Meaning "handsome" or "beautiful" in Gaelic. A popular name of Scottish and Irish origin.
3. **Alexander:** Meaning "defender of mankind" in Greek. A name with strong biblical roots, associated with strength and leadership.
4. **Andrew:** Meaning "manly" or "strong" in Greek. A common name throughout the British Isles, linked to the apostle Saint Andrew.
5. **Angus:** Meaning "one strength" or "single strength" in Gaelic. A name with a powerful and commanding feel, often associated with a strong personality.
6. **Anna:** Meaning "grace" or "favor" in Hebrew. A classic name of biblical origin, representing kindness and beauty.
7. **Arlene:** Meaning "pledge" or "oath" in Gaelic. A name that evokes a sense of commitment and fidelity.
8. **Arthur:** Meaning "bear" or "strong one" in Celtic. A name associated with chivalry and heroism, often linked to the legendary King Arthur.
9. **Anya:** Meaning "grace" or "favor" in Russian. A name with a delicate and graceful feel, suggesting beauty and charm.
10. **Barnaby:** Meaning "son of Barnabas" in Hebrew, meaning "son of encouragement". A name with a warm and friendly feel, often associated with cheerfulness and kindness.
11. **Bethany:** Meaning "house of figs" in Aramaic. A name with a biblical connection, representing peace and tranquility.
12. **Blair:** Meaning "field" or "meadow" in Gaelic. A name that evokes a sense of nature and serenity, suggesting a peaceful and harmonious personality.
13. **Brendan:** Meaning "prince" or "nobleman" in Gaelic. A name with a royal and distinguished feel, associated with leadership and charisma.
14. **Brian:** Meaning "strong" or "noble" in Gaelic. A name with a powerful and commanding feel, often associated with determination and success.
15. **Caitlin:** Meaning "pure" or "bright" in Gaelic. A name with a delicate and graceful feel, suggesting elegance and refinement.
16. **Cameron:** Meaning "crooked nose" or "bent nose" in Gaelic. A name with a unique and intriguing feel, often associated with a strong personality and resilience.
17. **Cara:** Meaning "friend" or "beloved" in Gaelic. A name that evokes a sense of warmth and affection, suggesting a caring and compassionate nature.
18. **Carl:** Meaning "free man" or "strong man" in German. A name with a strong and independent feel, often associated with strength and determination.
19. **Catherine:** Meaning "pure" or "clean" in Greek. A name with a classic and elegant feel, suggesting refinement and beauty.
20. **Chad:** Meaning "warrior" or "fighter" in Old English. A name with a strong and courageous feel, often associated with bravery and resilience.
21. **Charles:** Meaning "free man" or "strong man" in German. A name with a distinguished and sophisticated feel, often associated with leadership and intelligence.
22. **Chloe:** Meaning "blooming" or "fresh" in Greek. A name with a delicate and charming feel, suggesting beauty and happiness.
23. **Christian:** Meaning "follower of Christ" in Greek. A name with strong religious significance, representing faith and devotion.
24. **Christopher:** Meaning "bearer of Christ" in Greek. A name with a strong and protective feel, often associated with strength and compassion.
25. **Claire:** Meaning "bright" or "clear" in Latin. A name with a graceful and serene feel, suggesting intelligence and purity.
26. **Colleen:** Meaning "girl" or "maiden" in Gaelic. A name with a charming and feminine feel, suggesting beauty and innocence.
27. **Connor:** Meaning "lover of hounds" or "wolf" in Gaelic. A name with a strong and adventurous feel, often associated with determination and loyalty.
28. **Cormac:** Meaning "son of the charioteer" in Gaelic. A name with a regal and commanding feel, often associated with power and leadership.
29. **Craig:** Meaning "rocky crag" or "cliff" in Gaelic. A name with a strong and rugged feel, suggesting resilience and strength.
30. **Daniel:** Meaning "God is my judge" in Hebrew. A name with a strong biblical connection, representing wisdom and justice.
31. **David:** Meaning "beloved" or "friend" in Hebrew. A name with a strong biblical connection, associated with courage and leadership.
32. **Deirdre:** Meaning "sorrowful" or "melancholy" in Gaelic. A name with a romantic and tragic feel, suggesting beauty and passion.
33. **Derek:** Meaning "ruler of the people" in Old Norse. A name with a strong and authoritative feel, often associated with leadership and strength.
34. **Donald:** Meaning "world ruler" in Gaelic. A name with a powerful and commanding feel, often associated with leadership and strength.
35. **Douglas:** Meaning "dark water" or "black water" in Gaelic. A name with a mysterious and intriguing feel, often associated with strength and resilience.
36. **Dylan:** Meaning "son of the sea" in Welsh. A name with a magical and mystical feel, suggesting freedom and adventure.
37. **Eamon:** Meaning "rich" or "wealthy" in Gaelic. A name with a strong and prosperous feel, often associated with success and abundance.
38. **Eilis:** Meaning "my God is Jehovah" in Hebrew. It is a Gaelic form of the name Elise.
39. **Eleanor:** Meaning "light" or "torch" in Greek. A name with a graceful and elegant feel, suggesting refinement and intelligence.
40. **Elizabeth:** Meaning "my God is abundance" in Hebrew. A name with a classic and elegant feel, suggesting strength and beauty.
41. **Emily:** Meaning "rival" or "industrious" in Latin. A name with a graceful and refined feel, suggesting intelligence and ambition.
42. **Erin:** Meaning "Ireland" in Gaelic. A name with a strong and patriotic feel, representing the beauty and spirit of Ireland.
43. **Ethan:** Meaning "strong" or "firm" in Hebrew. A name with a powerful and determined feel, often associated with courage and resilience.
44. **Fiona:** Meaning "fair" or "white" in Gaelic. A name with a delicate and charming feel, suggesting beauty and innocence.
45. **Finnian:** Meaning "fair" or "white" in Gaelic. A name with a gentle and refined feel, suggesting intelligence and creativity.
46. **Frances:** Meaning "free" or "French" in Latin. A name with a graceful and elegant feel, suggesting sophistication and freedom.
47. **Frederick:** Meaning "peaceful ruler" in German. A name with a strong and noble feel, often associated with leadership and wisdom.
48. **Gabriel:** Meaning "God is my strength" in Hebrew. A name with a strong biblical connection, representing strength and power.
49. **Gary:** Meaning "spear" or "javelin" in Gaelic. A name with a strong and courageous feel, often associated with bravery and determination.
50. **Geoffrey:** Meaning "peace of God" in German. A name with a gentle and compassionate feel, often associated with kindness and understanding.
51. **George:** Meaning "farmer" or "earth worker" in Greek. A name with a strong and practical feel, often associated with hard work and dedication.
52. **Gerald:** Meaning "spear ruler" in German. A name with a powerful and commanding feel, often associated with strength and leadership.
53. **Gillian:** Meaning "young girl" or "youthful" in Gaelic. A name with a charming and feminine feel, suggesting beauty and innocence.
54. **Gordon:** Meaning "great hill" or "big hill" in Gaelic. A name with a strong and commanding feel, often associated with strength and resilience.
55. **Grace:** Meaning "favor" or "blessing" in Latin. A name with a gentle and elegant feel, suggesting kindness and beauty.
56. **Grant:** Meaning "big" or "great" in Gaelic. A name with a strong and ambitious feel, often associated with success and achievement.
57. **Gregory:** Meaning "watchful" or "vigilant" in Greek. A name with a strong and protective feel, often associated with wisdom and leadership.
58. **Hannah:** Meaning "favor" or "grace" in Hebrew. A name with a strong biblical connection, representing kindness and beauty.
59. **Harper:** Meaning "harp player" in English. A name with a charming and artistic feel, suggesting creativity and musical talent.
60. **Heather:** Meaning "purple heath" or "heather plant" in English. A name with a delicate and feminine feel, suggesting beauty and resilience.
61. **Henry:** Meaning "ruler of the home" in German. A name with a strong and authoritative feel, often associated with leadership and wisdom.
62. **Ian:** Meaning "God is gracious" in Hebrew. A name with a strong and spiritual feel, often associated with kindness and compassion.
63. **Isaac:** Meaning "laughter" in Hebrew. A name with a strong biblical connection, representing joy and happiness.
64. **James:** Meaning "supplanter" or "he who takes the place of another" in Hebrew. A name with a strong biblical connection, representing leadership and faith.
65. **Jason:** Meaning "healer" in Greek. A name with a strong and compassionate feel, often associated with healing and restoration.
66. **Jennifer:** Meaning "white wave" or "fair" in Welsh. A name with a delicate and graceful feel, suggesting beauty and elegance.
67. **Jeremiah:** Meaning "the Lord is my God" in Hebrew. A name with a strong biblical connection, representing faith and righteousness.
68. **Jesse:** Meaning "gift of God" in Hebrew. A name with a strong biblical connection, representing kindness and generosity.
69. **Joan:** Meaning "God is gracious" in Hebrew. A name with a strong and spiritual feel, often associated with kindness and compassion.
70. **John:** Meaning "God is gracious" in Hebrew. A name with a strong biblical connection, representing leadership and faith.
71. **Joseph:** Meaning "God will increase" in Hebrew. A name with a strong biblical connection, representing faith and prosperity.
72. **Joshua:** Meaning "Yahweh is salvation" in Hebrew. A name with a strong biblical connection, representing faith and courage.
73. **Joyce:** Meaning "joyful" or "merry" in French. A name with a cheerful and optimistic feel, suggesting happiness and lightheartedness.
74. **Judith:** Meaning "praised" or "thankful" in Hebrew. A name with a strong biblical connection, representing wisdom and strength.
75. **Julian:** Meaning "youthful" or "downy-bearded" in Latin. A name with a gentle and refined feel, suggesting intelligence and creativity.
76. **June:** Meaning "young" or "youthful" in Latin. A name with a cheerful and optimistic feel, suggesting happiness and lightheartedness.
77. **Kaitlin:** Meaning "pure" or "bright" in Gaelic. A name with a delicate and graceful feel, suggesting elegance and refinement.
78. **Karen:** Meaning "pure" or "clean" in Greek. A name with a classic and elegant feel, suggesting refinement and beauty.
79. **Katherine:** Meaning "pure" or "clean" in Greek. A name with a classic and elegant feel, suggesting refinement and beauty.
80. **Kevin:** Meaning "handsome" or "beautiful" in Gaelic. A name with a charming and gentle feel, suggesting kindness and compassion.
81. **Kim:** Meaning "leader" or "chief" in Korean. A name with a strong and assertive feel, often associated with leadership and ambition.
82. **Kyle:** Meaning "narrow strait" or "channel" in Gaelic. A name with a strong and adventurous feel, suggesting freedom and exploration.
83. **Laura:** Meaning "laurel" or "bay tree" in Latin. A name with a delicate and graceful feel, suggesting beauty and victory.
84. **Liam:** Meaning "strong-willed warrior" or "helmet" in Gaelic. A name with a powerful and determined feel, often associated with courage and resilience.
85. **Lillian:** Meaning "lily" in Latin. A name with a delicate and graceful feel, suggesting beauty and purity.
86. **Logan:** Meaning "hollow" or "valley" in Gaelic. A name with a strong and grounded feel, suggesting resilience and strength.
87. **Louise:** Meaning "famous warrior" in German. A name with a strong and courageous feel, often associated with bravery and determination.
88. **Lucille:** Meaning "light" or "brightness" in Latin. A name with a graceful and elegant feel, suggesting intelligence and purity.
89. **Lucy:** Meaning "light" or "brightness" in Latin. A name with a graceful and elegant feel, suggesting intelligence and purity.
90. **Maeve:** Meaning "she who intoxicates" in Gaelic. A name with a strong and enchanting feel, suggesting beauty and power.
91. **Margaret:** Meaning "pearl" in Greek. A name with a classic and elegant feel, suggesting beauty and purity.
92. **Maria:** Meaning "bitter" or "rebellious" in Hebrew. A name with a strong biblical connection, representing love and devotion.
93. **Mark:** Meaning "hammer" in Latin. A name with a strong and practical feel, often associated with hard work and dedication.
94. **Mary:** Meaning "rebellious" or "bitter" in Hebrew. A name with a strong biblical connection, representing love and devotion.
95. **Matthew:** Meaning "gift of God" in Hebrew. A name with a strong biblical connection, representing kindness and generosity.
96. **Maureen:** Meaning "sea of bitterness" in Hebrew. A name with a strong and powerful feel, suggesting beauty and resilience.
97. **Megan:** Meaning "pearl" or "jewel" in Welsh. A name with a delicate and graceful feel, suggesting beauty and elegance.
98. **Michael:** Meaning "who is like God" in Hebrew. A name with a strong biblical connection, representing strength and power.
99. **Michelle:** Meaning "who is like God" in Hebrew. A name with a strong and powerful feel, suggesting beauty and resilience.
100. **Molly:** Meaning "bitter" or "rebellious" in Hebrew. A name with a strong and charming feel, suggesting beauty and independence.
101. **Morgan:** Meaning "sea defender" in Welsh. A name with a strong and protective feel, often associated with strength and resilience.
102. **Nancy:** Meaning "grace" or "favor" in Hebrew. A name with a strong and charming feel, suggesting beauty and kindness.
103. **Natasha:** Meaning "Christmas" in Russian. A name with a cheerful and festive feel, suggesting happiness and joy.
104. **Neil:** Meaning "champion" or "cloud" in Gaelic. A name with a strong and courageous feel, often associated with bravery and determination.
105. **Nicholas:** Meaning "victory of the people" in Greek. A name with a strong and triumphant feel, often associated with leadership and success.
106. **Nora:** Meaning "honor" or "light" in Irish. A name with a strong and elegant feel, suggesting beauty and grace.
107. **Olivia:** Meaning "olive tree" in Latin. A name with a delicate and graceful feel, suggesting beauty and peace.
108. **Patrick:** Meaning "nobleman" or "patrician" in Latin. A name with a strong and distinguished feel, often associated with leadership and faith.
109. **Paul:** Meaning "small" or "humble" in Latin. A name with a strong biblical connection, representing faith and leadership.
110. **Peter:** Meaning "rock" or "stone" in Greek. A name with a strong biblical connection, representing faith and strength.
111. **Philip:** Meaning "lover of horses" in Greek. A name with a strong and adventurous feel, suggesting freedom and exploration.
112. **Rachel:** Meaning "ewe" in Hebrew. A name with a strong biblical connection, representing love and compassion.
113. **Rebecca:** Meaning "to tie" or "to bind" in Hebrew. A name with a strong biblical connection, representing loyalty and faithfulness.
114. **Richard:** Meaning "strong ruler" in German. A name with a strong and authoritative feel, often associated with leadership and wisdom.
115. **Robert:** Meaning "bright fame" or "shining glory" in German. A name with a strong and distinguished feel, often associated with leadership and intelligence.
116. **Robin:** Meaning "bright fame" or "shining glory" in German. A name with a cheerful and optimistic feel, suggesting happiness and lightheartedness.
117. **Roger:** Meaning "famous spear" or "renowned spearman" in German. A name with a strong and courageous feel, often associated with bravery and determination.
118. **Ronald:** Meaning "ruler of the home" in German. A name with a strong and authoritative feel, often associated with leadership and wisdom.
119. **Rose:** Meaning "rose" in Latin. A name with a delicate and graceful feel, suggesting beauty and love.
120. **Rowan:** Meaning "little redhead" in Gaelic. A name with a charming and fiery feel, suggesting strength and passion.
121. **Ryan:** Meaning "little king" or "king" in Gaelic. A name with a powerful and commanding feel, often associated with leadership and success.
122. **Samantha:** Meaning "listener" or "one who listens" in Hebrew. A name with a gentle and understanding feel, often associated with wisdom and compassion.
123. **Sarah:** Meaning "princess" or "noblewoman" in Hebrew. A name with a strong biblical connection, representing leadership and faith.
124. **Sean:** Meaning "God is gracious" in Hebrew. A name with a strong and spiritual feel, often associated with kindness and compassion.
125. **Sharon:** Meaning "plain" or "level ground" in Hebrew. A name with a peaceful and tranquil feel, suggesting serenity and beauty.
126. **Sheila:** Meaning "blind" or "seeing" in Gaelic. A name with a strong and independent feel, suggesting wisdom and resilience.
127. **Simon:** Meaning "he who listens" or "he who hears" in Hebrew. A name with a gentle and understanding feel, often associated with wisdom and compassion.
128. **Skye:** Meaning "island" or "cloud" in Gaelic. A name with a strong and magical feel, suggesting beauty and mystery.
129. **Sophia:** Meaning "wisdom" in Greek. A name with a graceful and elegant feel, suggesting intelligence and knowledge.
130. **Stephen:** Meaning "crown" or "wreath" in Greek. A name with a strong and triumphant feel, often associated with leadership and success.
131. **Stewart:** Meaning "steward" or "caretaker" in Old English. A name with a strong and responsible feel, often associated with leadership and service.
132. **Susan:** Meaning "lily" in Hebrew. A name with a delicate and graceful feel, suggesting beauty and purity.
133. **Tara:** Meaning "hill" or "high place" in Gaelic. A name with a strong and powerful feel, suggesting beauty and resilience.
134. **Theresa:** Meaning "reaper" or "harvester" in Greek. A name with a strong and determined feel, often associated with hard work and success.
135. **Thomas:** Meaning "twin" in Aramaic. A name with a strong biblical connection, representing faith and leadership.
136. **Timothy:** Meaning "honoring God" in Greek. A name with a strong and spiritual feel, often associated with kindness and compassion.
137. **Victoria:** Meaning "victory" in Latin. A name with a strong and triumphant feel, often associated with leadership and success.
138. **Violet:** Meaning "violet flower" in Latin. A name with a delicate and graceful feel, suggesting beauty and humility.
139. **Walter:** Meaning "ruler of the army" in German. A name with a strong and authoritative feel, often associated with leadership and wisdom.
140. **William:** Meaning "resolute protector" or "protector of the helmet" in German. A name with a strong and courageous feel, often associated with bravery and resilience.
141. **Wilson:** Meaning "son of Will" or "son of William" in Old English. A name with a strong and authoritative feel, often associated with leadership and wisdom.
142. **Zachary:** Meaning "Yahweh has remembered" in Hebrew. A name with a strong biblical connection, representing faith and hope.