{"id":2465,"date":"2022-04-22T11:01:02","date_gmt":"2022-04-22T11:01:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/hub\/?p=2465"},"modified":"2023-02-06T14:31:10","modified_gmt":"2023-02-06T14:31:10","slug":"best-scottish-baby-names","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/hub\/parenting\/best-scottish-baby-names","title":{"rendered":"Best Scottish Baby Names"},"content":{"rendered":"
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With its rich cultural and linguistic heritage, Scotland<\/a> has plenty of inspiration to offer when it comes to baby names! Choosing distinctive Scottish baby names<\/strong> for your child is a great way to honour a north-of-the-border background or just give your child a cool name<\/a> they can be proud of…<\/p>\n

While you wait for\u00a0the big day\u00a0to arrive, let\u2019s explore some of the best Scottish baby names out there. We also included tips on how some of the more unfamiliar names<\/a> should be pronounced!\u00a0We’ve got your back!<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”]\t

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Top 10 Scottish baby names for boys<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]\n

Alastair\u00a0(alas -t-air)<\/em><\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” border_width=”2″][vc_column_text]This is the Scottish Gaelic form of Alexander, an ancient Greek name meaning \u2018defender of men\u2019. Also spelt Alasdair and commonly abbreviated to Alec in Scotland.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]\n

Archibald<\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” border_width=”2″][vc_column_text]This is a Scottish form of an Old Germanic name meaning \u2018true and brave\u2019. Commonly abbreviated to \u2018Archie\u2019.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]\n

Callum<\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” border_width=”2″][vc_column_text]This is a Scottish Gaelic refashioning of the Latin name \u2018Columba\u2019, meaning dove.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]\n

Ewan\u00a0(yoo-un)<\/em><\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” border_width=”2″][vc_column_text]Also spelt Euan, this name is a Scottification of the Biblical Greek name\u00a0I\u014dann\u0113s<\/em>, more familiar to English speakers as \u2018John\u2019.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]\n

Fraser<\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” border_width=”2″][vc_column_text]This sturdily Scottish name has uncertain origins and may have begun a Norman French misspelling of a Gaelic name.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]\n

Gregor\u00a0(greg-or)<\/em><\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” border_width=”2″][vc_column_text]This name is Greek in origin, originally meaning watchful.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]\n

Hamish<\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” border_width=”2″][vc_column_text]This very Scottish name comes to us from the Gaelic\u00a0Seumas,\u00a0<\/em>which\u00a0<\/em>is in fact just the familiar Biblical name James.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]\n

Iain\u00a0(ee-un)<\/em><\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” border_width=”2″][vc_column_text]Also (of course) spelt Ian, this is another Gaelic refashioning of the Biblical name John.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]\n

Scott<\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” border_width=”2″][vc_column_text]This name is actually distinct from the \u2018Scot\u2019 in Scotland. While the original Scots were a tribe who migrated across from Ireland, the \u2018Scotts\u2019 were a later clan especially active along the Anglo-Scottish border.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]\n

Stewart<\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” border_width=”2″][vc_column_text]This very Scottish name comes from an Old English term meaning \u2018guardian of the hall\u2019. Also spelt \u2018Stuart\u2019, under the influence of French.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]\t
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Top 10 Scottish baby names for girls<\/strong><\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]\n

Agnes<\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” border_width=”2″][vc_column_text]More popular in Scotland than other parts of the United Kingdom, this name ultimately comes from a Greek word meaning \u2018holy\u2019. This name is also spelt \u2018Annis\u2019.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]\n

Eilidh\u00a0(ay-lee)<\/em><\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” border_width=”2″][vc_column_text]This is a Scottish Gaelic version of the more familiar name Helen. You will also see it spelt Ailidh, Aileen and Eileen.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]\n

Elspeth<\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” border_width=”2″][vc_column_text]This is a Gaelic take on the rather more familiar name Elizabeth.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]\n

Fiona<\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” border_width=”2″][vc_column_text]From an Irish word meaning \u2018fair-haired\u2019. The rarely-seen male version is Fionn.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]\n

Heather<\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” border_width=”2″][vc_column_text]The heather plant (Calluna vulgaris)\u00a0<\/em>is a Scottish icon.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]\n

Isla\u00a0(aye-la)<\/em><\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” border_width=”2″][vc_column_text]This newly popular name comes from the Hebridean island Islay.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]\n

Kirstine<\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” border_width=”2″][vc_column_text]This is a Scottish version of Christine. Commonly abbreviated to \u2018Kirsty\u2019.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]\n

Mairi\u00a0(mair-ee)<\/em><\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” border_width=”2″][vc_column_text]As you may have guessed, this is a Gaelic variation on \u2018Mary\u2019.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]\n

Rhona<\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” border_width=”2″][vc_column_text]This popular name has uncertain origins, but it may be derived from Norman French.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]\n

Una\u00a0(oo-na)\u00a0<\/em><\/h3>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” border_width=”2″][vc_column_text]This name has Irish origins and may originally have meant \u2018lamb\u2019 \ud83d\udc11[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”25px”]\t
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Popular Scottish baby names by year<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” border_width=”2″][vc_column_text]The most popular names for babies in Scotland normally aren\u2019t that different from those in other parts of the United Kingdom, with some old favourites repeatedly topping the charts. Looking back over the last five years we found:<\/p>\n

2020: Jack and Isla<\/p>\n

2019: Jack and Olivia<\/p>\n

2018: Jack and Olivia<\/p>\n

2017: Jack and Olivia<\/p>\n

2016: Jack and Olivia<\/p>\n

That\u2019s a lot of Jacks! In fact, this name has been the most popular name for boys<\/a> in Scotland for 13 straight years![\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”50px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]\n

Medieval Scottish baby names<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” border_width=”2″][vc_column_text]Some Scottish names first took root during the Middle Ages.<\/p>\n

Examples include:<\/p>\n

Cameron –\u00a0<\/strong>This\u00a0<\/strong>clan surname began as a nickname meaning \u2018crooked nose\u2019 (cam-shr\u00f2n),\u00a0<\/em>in reference to the founder of the clan sometime before the 15th Century. More recently, it has gained popularity as a first name!<\/p>\n

Duncan<\/strong>\u00a0– From the Gaelic\u00a0donn chabh<\/em>, meaning \u2018brown warrior\u2019. Kings Duncan I and Duncan II reigned during the 11th Century \ud83d\udc51<\/p>\n

Gavin<\/strong>\u00a0– This name is a distinctive variation on the name \u2018Gawain\u2019, familiar with tales of King Arthur and his knights of the round table. The latter name may originally have meant \u2018white hawk\u2019 but its true origins have been lost in the mists of time.<\/p>\n

Isobel<\/strong>\u00a0– This is a distinctively Scottish variation of the name Isabel or Isabella, both ultimately derived from the Biblical name Elizabeth. Isobel reached Scotland during the Middle Ages.<\/p>\n

Jean<\/strong>\u00a0– A name that still has a Scottish flavour, Jean is a variation of the now rarely seen name Jeanne, a medieval import from France. Like Jane, it is a feminine form of John.<\/p>\n

Malcolm<\/strong>\u00a0– This old kingly name comes from the Gaelic phrase\u00a0Maol<\/em>\u00a0Chaluim,\u00a0<\/em>meaning \u2018devotee of St Columba\u2019. King Malcolm I of Scotland from 943 to 954.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”50px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”25px”]\t

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Mythological Scottish baby names<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” border_width=”2″][vc_column_text]Other Scottish names owe their origin to Celtic mythology. For example:<\/p>\n

Bridget<\/strong>\u00a0– Spelt\u00a0Br\u00ecghde\u00a0<\/em>in\u00a0<\/em>Gaelic, this\u00a0is a very old Celtic name. Brigid was a pre-Christian goddess of healing, inspiration and poetry. Its root means \u2018power\u2019 or \u2018strength\u2019. This name used to be one of the most popular names for girls in Ireland too.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”50px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]\n

Gaelic Scottish baby names<\/h2>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator align=”align_left” border_width=”2″][vc_column_text]Gaelic is a Celtic language – a close relative of Irish brought to Scotland by settlers from Ireland in the 5th Century. Many traditional Scottish names have roots in Gaelic. Here are a few more examples:<\/p>\n

Angus<\/strong>\u00a0–\u00a0Aonghas<\/em>\u00a0in Gaelic, this old name means \u2018only choice\u2019.<\/p>\n

Campbell<\/strong>\u00a0– Another clan surname with a very similar origin to Cameron (cam<\/em>\u00a0beul,\u00a0<\/em>meaning crooked mouth), this too has become an increasingly popular given name.<\/p>\n

Craig<\/strong>\u00a0– This Gaelic name means \u2018rock\u2019 (creag<\/em>).<\/p>\n

Donald<\/strong>\u00a0– Another old name, from\u00a0D\u00f2mhnall,\u00a0<\/em>which is thought to have originally meant \u2018ruler of the world\u2019. Also spelt \u2018Donal\u2019.<\/p>\n

Dougal<\/strong>\u00a0(doo-gal)\u00a0<\/em>– This name comes from\u00a0Dubhghall,\u00a0<\/em>meaning\u00a0\u2018black stranger\u2019.<\/em><\/p>\n

Douglas<\/strong>\u00a0– From the Gaelic for \u2018black water\u2019\u00a0(dubh glas).\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Fergus<\/strong>\u00a0– From the Gaelic\u00a0Fearghas,\u00a0<\/em>which originally meant \u2018strong man\u2019.<\/p>\n

Gordon<\/strong>\u00a0– Originally a surname, this is derived from a location on the Scottish borders and originally meant \u2018spacious fort\u2019.<\/p>\n

Morag<\/strong>– The female name\u00a0M\u00f2rag<\/em>\u00a0means \u2018big\u2019 or \u2018great\u2019.<\/p>\n

Rory<\/strong>\u00a0– This ancient Celtic name, from the Gaelic\u00a0Ruairidh,\u00a0<\/em>means \u2018red king\u2019.<\/p>\n

Ross<\/strong>\u00a0– One of many Scottish names to have migrated from surname to first name status – from an old Gaelic term for headland.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”50px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”25px”]\t

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Parenthood<\/a> has many joys – but comes with\u00a0plenty of challenges\u00a0too! One recurring issue is finding fun things to do with your children at weekends and during school holidays. Day Out With The Kids is an exciting guide to family-friendly days out across the UK. Why not\u00a0find out just what\u2019s on<\/a>\u00a0offer where you live?<\/p>\n

Looking for more inspiration for baby names? No need to look further, we’ve got plenty:<\/p>\n

\u00a0Cool Baby Names<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Unusual Baby Names and What They Mean<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Unique Baby Names<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Baby Names Inspired by Animals<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Baby Names Beginning with A<\/a><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]With its rich cultural and linguistic heritage, Scotland has plenty of inspiration to offer when it comes to baby names! Choosing distinctive Scottish baby names for your child is a great way to honour a north-of-the-border background or just give your child a cool name they can be proud of… While you wait for\u00a0the big…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":29,"featured_media":2470,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10,3],"tags":[],"thb-sponsors":[],"class_list":["post-2465","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-baby-names","category-parenting"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2465","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/29"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2465"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2465\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2470"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2465"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2465"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2465"},{"taxonomy":"thb-sponsors","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/hub\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/thb-sponsors?post=2465"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}