350 Best Scottish Names with Meanings for 2025
In Scotland, where every name tells a story, the significance behind each moniker can be both profound and enlightening. This article unveils 350 of the best Scottish names along with their meanings for 2025, helping you choose a name that resonates with heritage and character. Whether you’re expecting a child, exploring your ancestry, or simply intrigued by the beauty of Scottish nomenclature, you’ll find inspiration and insight within these pages.
Traditional Scottish Male Names

- Alasdair – Scottish form of Alexander, meaning “defender of men.”
- Ewan – Derived from Eoghan, meaning “born of the yew tree.”
- Fergus – Means “man of vigor and strength.”
- Dougal – Meaning “dark stranger.”
- Malcolm – From Máel Coluim, meaning “devotee of Saint Columba.”
- Angus – Means “one strength” or “unique choice.”
- Donald – Meaning “world ruler.”
- Kenneth – From Coinneach, meaning “handsome” or “comely.”
- Hugh – From Huw, meaning “heart,” “mind,” or “spirit.”
- Iain – Scottish form of John, meaning “God is gracious.”
- Gregor – Means “watchful” or “alert.”
- Colin – Diminutive of Nicholas, meaning “victory of the people.”
- Duncan – From Donnchadh, meaning “brown warrior.”
- Murdo – Meaning “sea warrior.”
- Hamish – Scottish form of James, meaning “supplanter.”
- Roderick – Meaning “famous ruler.”
- Torquil – Means “Thor’s cauldron.”
- Mungo – Meaning “beloved one.”
- Stewart – From steward, meaning “guardian.”
- Allan – Meaning “harmony” or “handsome.”
Traditional Scottish Female Names

- Isla – Inspired by the Scottish River Isla, meaning “island.”
- Fiona – Means “fair” or “white.”
- Catriona – Scottish form of Katherine, meaning “pure.”
- Mhairi – Scottish form of Mary, meaning “beloved.”
- Elspeth – Scottish form of Elizabeth, meaning “God is my oath.”
- Morag – Derived from Mór, meaning “great.”
- Davina – Feminine of David, meaning “beloved.”
- Shona – Means “God is gracious.”
- Eilidh – Pronounced AY-lee, meaning “sun” or “radiant one.”
- Ailsa – Inspired by Ailsa Craig, meaning “elf victory.”
- Jean – Scottish form of Jane, meaning “God is gracious.”
- Iona – From the sacred island Iona, meaning “island.”
- Mairi – Scottish form of Mary, meaning “rebellious.”
- Skye – Inspired by the Isle of Skye.
- Ailis – Scottish form of Alice, meaning “noble.”
- Kenna – Feminine of Kenneth, meaning “born of fire.”
- Maisie – Derived from Margaret, meaning “pearl.”
- Rhona – Meaning “rough island.”
- Seonaid – Scottish version of Janet, meaning “God’s gift.”
- Euna – Means “hunger” or “famine,” but also symbolizes strength.
Scottish Clan Inspired Names
- Campbell – Meaning “crooked mouth.”
- Fraser – Clan name meaning “strawberry.”
- MacLeod – Meaning “son of Leod.”
- Gordon – From the Scottish place name, meaning “spacious fort.”
- Cameron – Meaning “crooked nose.”
- MacDonald – Meaning “son of Donald.”
- Douglas – From dubh glas, meaning “dark stream.”
- Grant – Meaning “large” or “great.”
- Forbes – Meaning “field” or “district.”
- Sinclair – Meaning “clear saint” or “bright.”
Modern & Popular Scottish Baby Names 2025
- Lachlan – Means “from the fjord land.”
- Callum – Derived from Columba, meaning “dove.”
- Arran – From the Isle of Arran.
- Lewis – From the Isle of Lewis, meaning “renowned warrior.”
- Struan – Means “stream.”
- Harris – Inspired by the Isle of Harris.
- Brodie – Meaning “ditch” or “muddy place.”
- Finlay – Meaning “fair-haired warrior.”
- Blair – Meaning “field” or “plain.”
- Innes – Meaning “island.”
- Ruaridh – Meaning “red-haired king.”
- Keir – Meaning “dusky” or “dark-haired.”
- Torin – Meaning “chief.”
- Logan – Means “little hollow.”
- Aidan – Meaning “little fire.”
- Kerr – Meaning “from the rough wet ground.”
- Kyle – Means “narrow strait.”
- Ross – Meaning “promontory” or “headland.”
- Elliot – Meaning “Jehovah is God.”
- Fraser – Popular modern surname used as first name.
Unique Scottish Female Baby Names 2025
- Sorcha – Meaning “radiant” or “bright.”
- Lilias – Scottish form of Lily, meaning “pure.”
- Marsaili – Gaelic form of Marcella, meaning “warlike.”
- Rowena – Meaning “white-haired.”
- Ishbel – Scottish form of Isabel, meaning “God is my oath.”
- Eira – Meaning “snow.”
- Fenella – Means “white shoulder.”
- Caoimhe – Pronounced Kee-va, meaning “gentle” or “beautiful.”
- Kyra – Meaning “throne” or “sun.”
- Leana – Means “light.”
Scottish Surnames as First Names
- Munro – Meaning “from the mouth of the Roe river.”
- Murray – From Moray, meaning “sea settlement.”
- Stewart – Meaning “steward” or “guardian.”
- MacGregor – Meaning “son of Gregor.”
- Forrest – Meaning “from the forest.”
- Nairn – From a river name, meaning “dweller at alder tree river.”
- Buchanan – Meaning “house of the canon.”
- Colquhoun – Meaning “narrow corner or nook.”
- Ramsay – Meaning “wild garlic island.”
- Keith – Meaning “wood” or “forest.”
Scottish Nature-Inspired Names
- Heather – Refers to the flowering Scottish plant.
- Rowan – Refers to the rowan tree, a symbol of protection.
- Glen – Means “valley.”
- Ben – Inspired by Scottish mountains (Ben Nevis).
- Morven – Mountain in Aberdeenshire, meaning “big hill.”
- Corra – Refers to Corra Linn waterfall.
- Selkie – Mythical seal-like creature.
- Lochlan – Means “from the land of lakes.”
- Afton – Refers to the River Afton.
- Bran – Means “raven.”
Mythical & Legendary Scottish Names
- Ossian – Legendary Gaelic poet, meaning “fawn.”
- Deirdre – From legend, meaning “sorrowful.”
- Selma – From Ossianic poems, meaning “beautiful view.”
- Brude – Name of Pictish kings.
- Scota – Mythical daughter of an Egyptian Pharaoh, associated with Scotland’s name.
- Kelpie – Mythical water horse spirit.
- Malvina – From Ossian’s tales, meaning “smooth brow.”
- Conall – Legendary warrior, meaning “strong wolf.”
- Lugh – Celtic god of light.
- Epona – Celtic goddess of horses.
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Royal & Noble Scottish Names
- James – Name of many Scottish kings, meaning “supplanter.”
- Mary – Famous queen of Scots, meaning “beloved.”
- Robert – King Robert the Bruce, meaning “bright fame.”
- David – From biblical King David, meaning “beloved.”
- Alexander – Popular among Scottish royalty, meaning “protector of men.”
- Margaret – Queen Margaret of Scotland, meaning “pearl.”
- Bruce – From Robert the Bruce, meaning “from Brix in Normandy.”
- Charles – Meaning “free man.”
- Anne – Meaning “grace” or “favor.”
- Stewart – Royal house name, meaning “guardian.”
Scottish Warrior & Battle Names
- Alpin – Means “white” or “fair,” name of an early king.
- Gilleasbuig – Gaelic form of Archibald, meaning “genuine bold.”
- Somerset – Associated with Scottish knights, meaning “summer settlement.”
- Torquil – Norse-Scottish warrior name, meaning “Thor’s cauldron.”
- Niven – Meaning “holy.”
- Ruairi – Meaning “red-haired king.”
- Domhnall – Original form of Donald, meaning “ruler of the world.”
- Maelduin – Meaning “chieftain of the fortress.”
- Bridei – Pictish warrior king.
- Camshron – Gaelic form of Cameron, meaning “crooked nose.”
Rare & Unique Scottish Male Names
- Artair – Gaelic form of Arthur, meaning “bear.”
- Tavish – Meaning “twin.”
- Eoghann – Ancient form of Ewan, meaning “youth.”
- Alastair – Variant of Alasdair, “defender of men.”
- Cailean – Gaelic form of Colin, “whelp” or “young pup.”
- Padruig – Gaelic form of Patrick, meaning “nobleman.”
- Gillie – Means “servant of Jesus.”
- Torsten – Norse-Scottish name, meaning “Thor’s stone.”
- Uilleam – Gaelic form of William, meaning “resolute protector.”
- Farquhar – Meaning “beloved one.”
Rare & Unique Scottish Female Names
- Beathag – Gaelic form of Beatrice, meaning “bringer of joy.”
- Mairead – Scottish form of Margaret, meaning “pearl.”
- Oighrig – Gaelic name meaning “new speckled one.”
- Doilidh – Gaelic form of Dorothy, meaning “gift of God.”
- Kenna – Feminine of Kenneth, meaning “fire-born.”
- Ailis – Noble, from Alice.
- Marsail – Gaelic form of Marcella, meaning “warlike.”
- Seònaid – Form of Janet, “God’s gift.”
- Ciorstaidh – Gaelic form of Christina, meaning “follower of Christ.”
- Sorley – Derived from Somhairle, meaning “summer traveler.”
Scottish Nature & Landscape Names (Extended)
- Islay – Island name, meaning “island.”
- Arran – Isle of Arran.
- Harris – Isle of Harris.
- Mull – From Isle of Mull.
- Skye – A Famous island of Scotland.
- Ettrick – Refers to the Ettrick Valley.
- Tweed – River Tweed.
- Clyde – River Clyde.
- Dee – River Dee.
- Ness – From Loch Ness.
Scottish Name with Celtic Origins
- Bradan – Meaning “salmon.”
- Carlin – Meaning “little champion.”
- Oran – Means “pale green.”
- Tiernan – Meaning “lord.”
- Donal – Variant of Domhnall, meaning “ruler of the world.”
- Cian – Meaning “ancient.”
- Niall – Meaning “cloud” or “champion.”
- Eira – Meaning “snow.”
- Maeve – Meaning “she who intoxicates.”
- Aoife – Meaning “beauty” or “radiance.”
Scottish Surnames Turned First Names (Extended)
- MacKenzie – Meaning “son of the fair one.”
- Crawford – Meaning “ford of crows.”
- Leslie – Meaning “garden of holly.”
- Gunn – Norse origin, meaning “war.”
- Hamilton – Meaning “crooked hill.”
- Erskine – Meaning “green rising ground.”
- Livingston – Meaning “dear friend’s estate.”
- Paterson – Meaning “son of Patrick.”
- Lamont – Meaning “law man.”
- Drummond – Meaning “ridge.”
Scottish Baby Boy Names 2025 (Trendy Picks)
- Aiden – Meaning “little fire.”
- Jamie – Diminutive of James, “supplanter.”
- Kian – Meaning “grace of God.”
- Sean – Meaning “God is gracious.”
- Euan – Variant of Ewan, “youth.”
- Fraser – Meaning “strawberry.”
- Blaine – Meaning “slender.”
- Dean – Meaning “valley.”
- Keiran – Meaning “little dark one.”
- Mack – Short for Mac, “son of.”
Scottish Baby Girl Names 2025 (Trendy Picks)
- Ava – Meaning “life” or “bird.”
- Ella – Meaning “light.”
- Lara – Meaning “famous” or “cheerful.”
- Rona – Meaning “rough island.”
- Nina – Meaning “grace.”
- Kayla – Meaning “crown of laurels.”
- Saoirse – Meaning “freedom.”
- Tara – Meaning “hill.”
- Orla – Meaning “golden princess.”
- Eira – Meaning “snow.”
Scottish Short & Sweet Names
- Ian – Scottish form of John, “God is gracious.”
- Kay – Meaning “pure.”
- Ann – Meaning “grace.”
- Mac – Meaning “son of.”
- Ben – Inspired by mountains.
- Lee – Meaning “meadow.”
- Nairn – Place name.
- Ray – Meaning “wise protector.”
- Tom – Short for Thomas, “twin.”
- Meg – Short for Margaret, “pearl.”
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Scottish Heroic Names
- Wallace – From William Wallace, meaning “foreigner.”
- Robbie – From Robert the Bruce, “bright fame.”
- Andrew – Patron saint of Scotland, “manly.”
- Gowan – Means “little flower.”
- Steele – Meaning “hard as steel.”
- Craig – Meaning “rock.”
- Keith – Meaning “woodland.”
- Sinclair – Meaning “bright saint.”
- Forbes – Meaning “field.”
- Bowie – Inspired by Scottish hero James Bowie, “blond.”
Scottish Names from Places
- Aberdeen – City name, meaning “mouth of the Don.”
- Glasgow – Meaning “dear green place.”
- Edina – Old poetic name for Edinburgh.
- Fife – Historic region in Scotland.
- Ayr – Coastal town name.
- Moray – Region name, “sea settlement.”
- Stirling – Town name, “place of battle.”
- Leith – Port area of Edinburgh.
- Oban – Coastal town, meaning “little bay.”
- Perth – Ancient Scottish capital.
Scottish Cool & Modern Names For 2025
- Kenzie – Short for MacKenzie.
- Rory – Meaning “red king.”
- Lennox – Meaning “from Levenach.”
- Ailsa – Meaning “elf victory.”
- Torin – Meaning “chief.”
- Evander – Meaning “good man.”
- Nova – Meaning “new.”
- Callan – Meaning “rock.”
- Finley – Meaning “fair warrior.”
- Reid – Meaning “red haired.”
Scottish Ancient Names
- Columba – Saint’s name, meaning “dove.”
- Bride – Saint Brigid, meaning “exalted one.”
- Drest – Pictish name, meaning “riot.”
- Kenneth – Meaning “handsome.”
- Boite – Early Gaelic name, meaning “yellow.”
- Domnall – Ancient king, “world ruler.”
- Maelrubha – Saint’s name, “red servant.”
- Aedan – Early king’s name, “little fire.”
- Nechtan – Pictish king, “pure.”
- Eochaid – Ancient Gaelic name, meaning “horseman.”
Scottish Gaelic Names
- Seumas – Gaelic form of James.
- Mòrag – Means “great.”
- Aonghus – Gaelic for Angus, “one strength.”
- Màiri – Gaelic form of Mary.
- Eòin – Gaelic for John.
- Seonag – Gaelic for Janet.
- Ruairidh – Red-haired king.
- Ùna – Meaning “one.”
- Cailean – Meaning “whelp.”
- Donnchadh – Gaelic for Duncan, “brown warrior.”
Scottish Name’s for Boys with Strong Meanings
- Magnus – Meaning “great.”
- Struan – Meaning “stream.”
- Torquil – “Thor’s cauldron.”
- Broderick – Meaning “famous power.”
- Ewan – “Born of the yew.”
- Fraser – “Strawberry.”
- Graham – “Gravel homestead.”
- Keith – “Woodland.”
- Murray – “Sea settlement.”
- Colin – “Victory of people.”
Scottish Name’s for Girls with Graceful Meanings
- Aileen – Meaning “bright, shining light.”
- Bonnie – Meaning “pretty” or “beautiful.”
- Effie – Meaning “well-spoken.”
- Flora – Saint of Scotland, meaning “flower.”
- Greer – Meaning “watchful.”
- Lorna – Literary name, meaning “victory.”
- Maisie – Meaning “pearl.”
- Sheena – Scottish form of Jane.
- Una – Meaning “one.”
- Vaila – Named after a Shetland island.
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Scottish Name’s with Religious Influence
- Colin – Saint Columba’s influence.
- Aidan – Linked to Saint Aidan.
- Ninian – Early Scottish saint.
- Cuthbert – Saint’s name, meaning “famous.”
- Brigid – Saint Brigid, meaning “exalted.”
- Serf – Scottish saint, meaning “holy.”
- Fillan – Saint’s name, meaning “wolf cub.”
- Kentigern – Patron saint of Glasgow.
- Machar – Saint’s name.
- Rule – Saint Regulus, known as Saint Rule.
Cute Scottish Baby Names
- Lassie – Meaning “young girl.”
- Pippin – Meaning “little one.”
- Tavie – Short for Octavia.
- Nessie – From Loch Ness legend.
- Callie – Meaning “beautiful.”
- Jock – Scottish form of Jack.
- Lulu – Meaning “pearl.”
- Rosie – Meaning “rose.”
- Dottie – Short for Dorothy.
- Ellie – Meaning “light.”
Strong & Cool Scottish Surnames as Firsts
- Baird – Meaning “minstrel” or “bard.”
- Boyd – Meaning “fair-haired.”
- Craig – Meaning “rock.”
- Fleming – Meaning “from Flanders.”
- Galloway – a Region in Scotland.
- Hunter – Meaning “hunter.”
- Lawson – Meaning “son of Lawrence.”
- Menzies – Meaning “respected.”
- Rennie – Meaning “small but mighty.”
- Shaw – Meaning “wood.”
Scottish Pet Inspired Names (Popular in 2025)
- Hamish – “Supplanter.”
- Fergus – “Man of vigor.”
- Angus – “One strength.”
- Lassie – “Young girl.”
- Bonnie – “Beautiful.”
- Nessie – Inspired by the Loch Ness Monster.
- Mack – Short for MacKenzie.
- Skye – Island name.
- Glen – Valley.
- Heather – Flowering plant.
Modern Trendy Scottish Unisex Names
- Blair – Meaning “field.”
- Rowan – Meaning “little red one.”
- Finley – Meaning “fair-haired hero.”
- Logan – Meaning “little hollow.”
- Ainsley – Meaning “one’s own meadow.”
- Lennox – Meaning “place of elm trees.”
- Cameron – Meaning “crooked nose.”
- Hayden – Meaning “fire.”
- Ellis – Meaning “benevolent.”
- Greer – Meaning “alert, watchful.”
Scottish Baby Names for Global Appeal
- Callum – Meaning “dove.”
- Euan – Meaning “youth.”
- Rory – Meaning “red-haired king.”
- Isla – Meaning “island.”
- Mackenzie – “Son of fair one.”
- Iona – Island name.
- Alba – Meaning “Scotland.”
- Keir – Meaning “dark-haired.”
- Struan – Meaning “stream.”
- Fiona – Meaning “fair.”
Scottish Coolest Names for 2025
- Torin – “Chief.”
- Cailean – “Young pup.”
- Sorcha – “Bright, radiant.”
- Lachlan – “From the fjord land.”
- Ailsa – “Elf victory.”
- Gordon – “Great hill.”
- Arran – “Isle of Arran.”
- Eilidh – “Radiant one.”
- Malcolm – “Devotee of Saint Columba.”
- Bonnie – “Pretty, charming.”
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