Baby Names 50 Scottish Baby Names Learn the meaning and origins of popular Scottish baby names By Wendy Rose Gould Wendy Rose Gould LinkedIn Wendy Rose Gould is a lifestyle reporter with over a decade of experience covering health and wellness topics. Learn about our editorial process Updated on November 02, 2022 Fact checked by Daniella Amato Fact checked by Daniella Amato Daniella Amato is a biomedical scientist and fact checker with expertise in pharmaceuticals and clinical research. Learn about our editorial process Print Getty Images / georgeclerk With its rolling green highlands, deep waters, and handsome towering castles, some might argue Scotland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. In addition to its scenic landscapes—and of course that delicious whiskey and the unique sound of bagpipes—this country has given us baby names that range from iconic to truly unique. If you’re trying to find the perfect name for your baby girl or boy, perhaps you’ll find that a Scottish name is the winner. Scottish Names for Your Baby Choose a beautiful and unique Scottish name for your new arrival. Ansley Alastair Blair Blake Cameron Dallas Davina Fiona Kenna Lachlan Lainey Morrison Murdock Rory Skye Popular Scottish Baby Names for Girls Below you'll find 25 unique Scottish baby names for girls along with their meanings, origins, and a few fun facts. Aileen Origin: Scottish, IrishMeaning: Light, from the green meadowAlternative Spellings & Variations: Aila, Aileana, Ailein, Aileene, Eileen, Helen, Leena, LinaPeak Popularity: Aileen saw peaks in popularity in both the 1920s and 2000s. Ailsa Origin: Viking, ScottishMeaning: Supernatural victoryFamous Namesakes: Ailsa Piper, Australian TV starPeak Popularity: Ailsa is not a popular baby name. In fact, there were only 23 girls named Ailsa in 2020 in Scotland. Fun Fact: This popular Scottish girl’s name refers to Ailsa Craig, a volcanic island and gannet colony located in the Firth of Clyde. It has Viking origins and is pronounced “Elsa.” Annabel Origin: Scottish, LatinMeaning: Beautiful, gracefulAlternative Spellings & Variations: Annabelle, Anna, BelleFamous Namesakes: Annabel Daou, an artist from BeirutPeak Popularity: Annabel experienced a peak in the 2010s. Fun Fact: Edgar Allen Poe wrote a famous poem called Annabel Lee, which is about a lost love. Ansley Origin: ScottishMeaning: Clearing with a small dwellingFamous Namesakes: Ansley Cargill, a U.S. tennis playerPeak Popularity: Ansley has seen a recent peak in popularity, which began in 2011. Blair Origin: Scottish, CelticMeaning: BattlefieldAlternative Spellings & Variations: Blaire, BlareFamous Namesakes: Blair Chenoweth, U.S. beauty queenPeak Popularity: Blair saw a peak in popularity in the 1980s. Fun Fact: This common Scottish girl’s name used to be more common as a surname. Bonnie Origin: Scottish,Meaning: Charming, beautiful, goodAlternative Spellings & Variations: Bonny, Bonny-LeeFamous Namesakes: Bonnie Wright, a British actress; Bonnie Rideout, an award-winning Scottish fiddlerPeak Popularity: Bonnie was particularly popular in the 1940s through 1960s. Fun Fact: It’s very likely that this common Scottish name comes from the French word bon, which means “good.” Catriona Origin: ScottishMeaning: PureAlternative Spellings & Variations: Cat, Kat, Katherina, Kathryn, Katerina, KatherineFamous Namesakes: Catriona Morison, a Scottish opera singer; Catriona MacInnes, a Scottish film-makerPeak Popularity: Catriona hasn't been a popular name. It has never made the top 1000 list in the U.S., and in 2020, only 5 girls were given this name in Scotland. Fun Fact: Author Robert Louis Stevenson wrote a novel about a woman named Catriona, which was also the title of the book. Cameron Origin: Scottish, CelticMeaning: Crooked noseAlternative Spellings & Variations: Cammie, Cammy, CamrynFamous Namesakes: Cameron Diaz, a U.S. actress; Cameron Crowe, a U.S. screenwriter and directorPeak Popularity: Cameron (as a girl’s name) saw a peak popularity in the 1990s and 2000s. Fun Fact: Despite its unflattering meaning, Cameron is one of the most popular Scottish names for both boys and girls. Davina Origin: Scottish, HebrewMeaning: Small deerFamous Namesakes: Davina McCall, an English TV hostPeak Popularity: This girl’s name has long been popular in Scotland, but in the 2000s it re-entered the U.S. top 1000 list of baby names in 2016. Fun Fact: Davina is the feminized version of the name David. Drew Origin: ScottishMeaning: BraveAlternative Spellings & Variations: AndrewFamous Namesakes: Drew Barrymore, U.S. actressPeak Popularity: Drew saw a very small peak in popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s. Fun Fact: Drew is the feminized version of the name Andrew. Elsbeth Origin: Scottish, EnglishMeaning: God is bountifulAlternative Spellings & Variations: Elizabeth, Lisabeth, Elsa, Elisabeth, Liz, Liza, Eliza, Lizbet, ElsieFamous Namesakes: Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Elizabeth II, Queens of EnglandPeak Popularity: Elsbeth hasn't been a popular name. In 2019, only eight girls were given this name. Fiona Origin: Gaelic, Irish, ScottishMeaning: Feminine, fairFamous Namesakes: Fiona Apple, U.S. singer; Julia Fiona Roberts, U.S. actressPeak Popularity: This girl’s name hit the U.S. popularity list in the 1990s. Isla Origin: ScottishMeaning: Dynamic, vibrant, brightAlternative Spellings & Variations: Islay, AislaFamous Namesakes: Isla Fischer, U.S. actressPeak Popularity: Isla is currently peaking in popularity. In 2020, over 4,000 girls were given this name. Fun Fact: This popular girl’s name refers to Islay, an island located off the Scottish coast. Jaime Origin: Scottish, HebrewMeaning: May God protectAlternative Spellings & Variations: Jamie, Jami, Jaymie, JamesFamous Namesakes: Jamie Lee Curtis, U.S. actress; Jamie Lynn Spears, U.S. singerPeak Popularity: The name Jamie peaked in the 1980s. Fun Fact: This name is the feminized version of James. Kenna Origin: ScottishMeaning: Born of fireFamous Namesakes: Kenna Zemedkun, U.S. musicianPeak Popularity: Kenna saw a small peak in popularity in the 2010s. Fun Fact: This name is the feminized version of Kenneth. Lainey Origin: Scottish, English, FrenchMeaning: Shining lightAlternative Spellings & Variations: Laney, Lainie, ElaineFamous Namesakes: Lainey Keogh, Irish fashion designerPeak Popularity: Lainey saw a small peak in the 2000s and 2010s. Leana Origin: Scottish, EnglishMeaning: Grace, favorAlternative Spellings & Variations: Liana, Leeanna, Leann, JulianaPeak Popularity: Leana hasn't been a popular name. It has not been in the top 1000 in the U.S. since 1905. Lorna Origin: Scottish, EnglishMeaning: Honor, victoryAlternative Spellings & Variations: Loren, LorneFamous Namesakes: Lorna Anderson, Scottish soprano; Lorna Hill, British children’s authorPeak Popularity: Lorna was particularly popular in the 1930s through 1960s. Fun Fact: This Scottish girl name refers to the laurel tree, which is a considered a symbol of honor or victory. Maisie Origin: ScottishMeaning: PearlAlternative Spellings & Variations: Mazie, MargaretFamous Namesakes: Maisie Williams, English actressPeak Popularity: Maisie is currently peaking slightly in popularity. In 2020, 760 girls were given this name. Makenna Origin: ScottishMeaning: Child of the handsome oneAlternative Spellings & Variations: McKenna, MacPeak Popularity: Makenna experienced a small peak in popularity in the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s. In 2020, about 800 girls were give then name. Nessa Origin: ScottishMeaning: From the headlandAlternative Spellings & Variations: Ness, VanessaFamous Namesakes: Nessa Diab, U.S. TV hostPeak Popularity: Nessa hasn't been a popular name, and has never been in the top 1000 list in the United States. Paisley Origin: ScottishMeaning: ChurchPeak Popularity: Paisley is currently peaking in popularity. In 2020, over 4000 girls were given this name. Fun Fact: The name Paisley was given to a very unique textile pattern, which was first produced in a town called Paisley, Scotland. Sima Origin: ScottishMeaning: Listener, faceAlternative Spellings & Variations: SeemaPeak Popularity: Sima has never been in the top 1000 list in the United States. Senga Origin: ScottishMeaning: Pure, chastePeak Popularity: Senga has never been in the top 1000 list in the United States. Fun Fact: Senga is the name “Agnes” spelled backwards. Skye Origin: ScottishMeaning: Adventurous, boldAlternative Spellings & Variations: SkyFamous Namesakes: Skye Edwards, English singerPeak Popularity: The name Skye saw a small peak in popularity in the 1980s through now. Fun Fact: This popular Scottish girl’s name refers to a paradise island in Scotland, the Island of Skye. Popular Scottish Baby Names for Boys Below you'll find 25 unique Scottish baby names for boys along with their meanings, origins, and a few fun facts. Abhainn Origin: ScottishMeaning: RiverPeak Popularity: Abhainn has never been in the top 1000 list in the United States. Alastair Origin: Scottish, GaelicMeaning: DefenderAlternative Spellings & Variations: Alistaire, Allister, AlasdairFamous Namesakes: Alistair Cooke, a British-born American writerPeak Popularity: Alastair ranked 963 in 2020. Fun Fact: This name is variation on Alexander. Blane Origin: Scottish, CelticMeaning: SlenderAlternative Spellings & Variations: BlaineFamous Namesakes: Blaine Larsen, U.S. country singerPeak Popularity: Blaine ranked 891 in the U.S. in 2020. Blake Origin: Scottish, EnglishMeaning: Dark-hairedFamous Namesakes: Blake Shelton, U.S. country singerPeak Popularity: Blake saw a surge in popularity in the 1980s through 2010s. Brodric Origin: Scottish, ScandinavianMeaning: BrotherAlternative Spellings & Variations: Broderick, BrodiePeak Popularity: Brodic has never been in the top 1000 list in the United States. Camden Origin: Scottish, EnglishMeaning: From the winding valleyAlternative Spellings & Variations: Cammie, CamFamous Namesakes: Camden Garcia, U.S. actorPeak Popularity: Camden is currently peaking in popularity. In 2020, roughly 2300 baby boys were given this name. Clyde Origin: ScottishMeaning: RiverFamous Namesakes: Clyde McPhatter, U.S. R&B singerPeak Popularity: Clyde was particularly popular in the 1910s through '50s. Fun Fact: This name refers to a Scotland river, the River Clyde, which flows through Glasgow. Craig Origin: Scottish, Irish, WelshMeaning: RockFamous Namesakes: Craig Robinson, U.S. actor; Craig Ferguson, Scottish T.V. hostPeak Popularity: Craig saw a peak in popularity in the 1950s through '80s. Fun Fact: This name is derived from the Gaelic word “creag” or “crag,” which is a group of rocks. Creighton Origin: English, ScottishMeaning: Rocky place, hilltopPeak Popularity: Creighton has never been in the top 1000 list in the United States. Dallas Origin: Scottish, EnglishMeaning: MeadowFamous Namesakes: Dallas Clark, U.S. football playerPeak Popularity: Dallas saw a peak in popularity in the 2000s with 1,249 boys given the name in 2020. Fun Fact: Dallas isn’t just a big city in Texas; it’s the name of a small village in Scotland, too. Duncan Origin: Scottish, Gaelic, CelticMeaning: WarriorFamous Namesakes: Duncan Hines, U.S. entrepreneur known for his confectionsPeak Popularity: Duncan saw a small peak in popularity in the 1990s. In 2020, 216 boys were given the name. Fun Fact: Duncan is a royal Scotsman—King Duncan, who was killed by a man named Macbeth. The story was told by Shakespeare in one of his dramatic plays. Fraser Origin: ScottishMeaning: Of the forest menAlternative Spellings & Variations: Frasier, FrazierPeak Popularity: Fraser has never been in the top 1000 list in the United States. Fun Fact: Fraser is also the name of a Scottish clan from the country’s lowlands. Gaven Origin: ScottishMeaning: White hawkAlternative Spellings & Variations: Gavin, GavynFamous Namesakes: Gavin Rossdale, English singerPeak Popularity: Gaven saw a small peak in popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Kendrew Origin: ScottishMeaning: Manly, braveAlternative Spellings & Variations: Ken, Drew, Dru, AndrewPeak Popularity: Kendrew has never been in the top 1000 list in the United States. Kenneth Origin: ScottishMeaning: HandsomeAlternative Spellings & Variations: Coinneach, Kenny, KenFamous Namesakes: Kenneth Edmonds "Babyface", U.S. singer; Kenneth Ham, astronautPeak Popularity: Kenneth saw a large peak in popularity in the 1930s through the 1980s. In 1957, over 28,000 boys were given this name. It remains somewhat popular but certainly less so. In 2020, 1466 boys were given the name. Fun Fact: Kenneth is the more recognizable, Anglicized variation of Coinneach, pronounced similarly. Keith Origin: Irish, Scottish, WelshMeaning: ForestFamous Namesakes: Keith Richards, English singer; Keith Carradine, U.S. actorPeak Popularity: Keith saw a peak in popularity in the 1950s through the 1970s. In 1966, 11,612 boys were given the name. Fun Fact: This Scottish boy’s name was first a very common surname. Lachlan Origin: ScottishMeaning: Land of lakesAlternative Spellings & Variations: Lakeland, Laochailan, LakeFamous Namesakes: Lachlan Macquarie, British Army officer from ScotlandPeak Popularity: Lachlan is experiencing a very small peak in popularity. In 2020, about 357 boys were given this name. Malcolm Origin: ScottishMeaning: A disciple of Saint ColumbAlternative Spellings & Variations: MalcomFamous Namesakes: Malcolm Gladwell, English author and journalist; Malcolm X, U.S. minister and activistPeak Popularity: Malcolm saw a peak in popularity in the 1980s and 1990s. In 2020, 1160 boys were given this name. Fun Fact: Four kings in Scotland were named Malcolm. Morrison Origin: English, ScottishMeaning: Son of Mary’s servantAlternative Spellings & Variations: MauryPeak Popularity: Morrison has never been in the top 1000 list in the United States. Murdock Origin: Celtic, ScottishMeaning: Protector of the seaAlternative Spellings & Variations: MurdochPeak Popularity: Murdock has never been in the top 1000 list in the United States. Fun Fact: Though used as a first name, we usually see Murdock as a surname. Neil Origin: Scottish, GaelicMeaning: Champion, cloudAlternative Spellings & Variations: Niall, Neill, NealFamous Namesakes: Neil Armstrong, astronaut; Neil Young, U.S. musician; Neil deGrasse Tyson, U.S. astrophysicist; Neil Diamond, U.S. singer-songwriterPeak Popularity: Neil experienced a small peak in popularity in the 1940s through the 1980s. In 1953, roughly 2000 boys were given this name. Rory Origin: Scottish, IrishMeaning: Red kingFamous Namesakes: Rory Kennedy, U.S. filmmaker and daughter of JFKPeak Popularity: Rory has experienced a small and steady peak since the 1950s. In 2020, 989 boys were given the name. Scott Origin: Scottish, EnglishMeaning: From Scotland, wandererAlternative Spellings & Variations: Scotty, ScotFamous Namesakes: Scott Weiland, U.S. musicianPeak Popularity: Scott saw a large peak in popularity in the 1950s through the 1970s. In 1971, over 30,000 boys were given the name. Fun Fact: This has long been a nickname that was given to Scottish people. Stewart Origin: English, ScottishMeaning: Steward, castle guardAlternative Spellings & Variations: Stuart, StuFamous Namesakes: Stewart Copeland, U.S. drummerPeak Popularity: Stewart saw a small peak in popularity in the 1940s through the 1960s. In 1955, 630 boys were given the name. Fun Fact: In the medieval era, a steward’s job was to look after the castle. Tavis Origin: Scottish, IrishMeaning: TwinAlternative Spellings & Variations: TavishFamous Namesakes: Tavis Smiley, U.S. radio personalityPeak Popularity: Tavis has never been in the top 1000 list in the United States. 1 Source Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Social Security Administration. Popularity of name. By Wendy Rose Gould Wendy Rose Gould is a lifestyle reporter with over a decade of experience covering health and wellness topics. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit