240+ Popular & Unique Scottish Boy Names (with Meanings)

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Plus, tips for choosing the right Scottish name for your baby!
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Looking for the perfect name for your little bairn? We’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ve compiled the ultimate list of Scottish boy names, whether you want something popular , unique , modern , or old-fashioned . We’ll also share helpful tips on choosing a meaningful name that flows well with your surname.

The Most Popular Boy Names in Scotland

  • Noah - Hebrew name meaning “rest.”
  • Muhammad - Arabic name meaning “praised one.”
  • Rory - Scottish Gaelic and Irish name meaning “red king.”
  • Theo - Greek name meaning “God’s gift.”
  • Leo - Latin and Greek name meaning “lion.”
  • Luca - Italian name meaning “bringer of light.”
  • Jack - English name meaning “God is gracious.”
Section 1 of 11:

Top Boy Names in Scotland

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  1. Noah, Muhammad, and Rory are the top boy names in Scotland. The following list contains the top 50 baby boy names for 2024, according to the National Records of Scotland. We’ve also included meanings for each name, organizing them by popularity: [1]
    • Noah - Hebrew name meaning “rest.”
    • Muhammad - Arabic name meaning “praised one.”
    • Rory - Scottish Gaelic and Irish name meaning “red king.”
    • Theo - Greek name meaning “God’s gift.”
    • Leo - Latin and Greek name meaning “lion.”
    • Luca - Italian name meaning “bringer of light.”
    • Jack - English name meaning “God is gracious.”
    • Oliver - Latin name meaning “olive tree.”
    • Harris - English and Germanic name meaning “son of Harry.”
    • Archie - Germanic name meaning “genuine, “precious,” “bold,” or “brave.”
    • Finlay - Scottish and Irish Gaelic name meaning “fair warrior.”
    • Jude - Hebrew name meaning “praised” or “thanks be given.”
    • Alexander - Greek name meaning “defender of man.”
    • James - Hebrew name meaning “supplanter” or “one who takes the place of another.”
    • Alfie - Old English name meaning “wise counselor.”
    • Brodie - Scottish name meaning “ditch” or “muddy place.”
    • Finn - Irish name meaning “fair” or “white.”
    • Arlo - German name meaning “hill.”
    • Charlie - Germanic name meaning “free man.”
    • Tommy - Aramaic name meaning “twin.”
    • Thomas - Aramaic name meaning “twin.”
    • Oscar - Irish Gaelic name meaning “deer friend” or “deer lover.”
    • Lucas - Latin and Greek name meaning “bringer of light.”
    • Arthur - Celtic name meaning “bear.”
    • Freddie - Old German name meaning “peaceful ruler.”
    • Mason - English name meaning “stone worker” or “brick layer.”
    • Jacob - Hebrew name meaning “supplanter,” “heel-grabber,” or “may God protect.”
    • Lewis - Germanic name meaning “famous warrior” or “renowned in battle.”
    • Max - Latin name meaning “greatest” or “largest.”
    • Logan - Scottish name meaning “little hollow.”
    • Harry - Germanic name meaning “home ruler” or “estate ruler.”
    • Albie - Germanic name meaning “noble and bright.”
    • Cameron - Scottish name meaning “crooked nose.”
    • Ollie - Latin name meaning “olive tree.”
    • Myles - Gaelic name meaning “devoted follower.”
    • Callan - Irish and Scottish name meaning “powerful in battle,” “rock,” or “descendant of Cathalán.”
    • Theodore - Greek name meaning “gift of God.”
    • Angus - Scottish and Irish Gaelic name meaning “one choice” or “unique strength.”
    • Reuben - Hebrew name meaning “behold, a son.”
    • Harrison - Medieval English name meaning “son of Harry” or “son of Henry.”
    • Blake - Scottish name meaning “pale” or “fair.”
    • Caleb - Hebrew name meaning “faithful,” “whole-hearted,” “bold,” or “dog.”
    • Adam - Hebrew name meaning “man” or “humankind.”
    • Sonny - English name meaning “son.”
    • Louie - Germanic name meaning “famous warrior.”
    • Roman - Roman name meaning “citizen of Rome.”
    • Liam - Irish name meaning “helmet of will,” “strong-willed warrior,” or “protector.”
    • George - Greek name meaning “farmer” or “earth-worker.”
    • Isaac - Hebrew name meaning “laughter” or ‘he will laugh.”
    • Luke - Latin and Greek name meaning “bringer of light.”
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Section 2 of 11:

Popular Scottish Boy Names

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  1. Daniel, Hunter, and Ethan are other popular boy names in Scotland. You’ve probably heard the following names before, but they’re just not as common as Noah, Muhammed, Rory (and others from the “top boy names” section above). Here are some more popular boy names and what they mean, in order of popularity: [2]
    • Arran - Scottish Gaelic name meaning “Ireland.”
    • Daniel - Hebrew name meaning “God is my judge.”
    • Hunter - English name meaning “one who hunts.”
    • Ethan - Hebrew name meaning “firm,” “strong,” “enduring,” or “constant.”
    • Hudson - English name meaning “son of Hudd” or “son of Hugh.”
    • Ruairidh - Scottish name meaning “red king.”
    • Kai - European name meaning “warrior,” “brave spear,” “keeper of the keys,” or “victory of the people.”
    • Leon - Greek name meaning “lion.”
    • Blair - Scottish Gaelic name meaning “battlefield.”
    • Lochlan - Scottish and Irish Gaelic name meaning “land of lakes.”
    • Joshua - Hebrew name meaning “Jehovah saves” or “God is salvation.”
    • Callum - Scottish variant of the Late Roman name Columba, meaning “dove.”
    • Grayson - English name meaning “ son of the steward.”
    • Nathan - Hebrew name meaning “he gave” or “gift of God.”
    • Rowan - Irish and Scottish name meaning “little red one” or “little redhead.”
    • William - Germanic name meaning “resolute protector” or “determined guardian.”
    • Cole - Old English name meaning “coal.”
    • Michael - Hebrew name meaning “who is like God?”
    • Samuel - Hebrew name meaning “God has heard.”
    • Hamish - Scottish Gaelic name meaning “supplanter” or “one who replaces.”
    • David - Hebrew name meaning “beloved” or “darling.”
    • Carter - English name meaning “transporter of goods by cart.”
    • Jaxon - English name meaning “son of Jack.”
    • Matthew - Hebrew name meaning “gift of God” or “gift of Yahweh.”
    • Ronan - Irish name meaning “little seal.”
    • Elijah - Hebrew name meaning “Yahweh is my God.”
    • Teddy - Variant of Theodore, meaning “gift of God.”
    • John - Hebrew name meaning “God is gracious” or “Yahweh has favored.”
    • Benjamin - Hebrew name meaning “son of the right hand” or “son of the south.”
    • Robert - Germanic name meaning “bright fame” or “shining with glory.”
    • Cody - Irish name meaning “helper” or “helpful.”
    • Joseph - Hebrew name meaning “to add” or “to increase.”
    • Cillian - Irish Gaelic name meaning “little church.”
    • Austin - English and Latin name meaning “great,” “majestic,” or “venerable.”
    • Ruaridh - Scottish Gaelic name meaning “red king.”
    • Riley - Irish name meaning “courageous” or “valiant.”
    • Jamie - Hebrew name meaning “supplanter” or “he who supplants.”
    • Lachlan - Scottish and Irish Gaelic name meaning “from the land of lakes.”
    • Connor - Irish name meaning “lover of hounds” or “wolf lover.”
    • Murray - Scottish Gaelic name meaning “sea settlement.”
    • Reggie - Old Germanic name meaning “advice” or “counsel.”
    • Jax - British name meaning “son of Jack.”
    • Ezra - Hebrew name meaning “help,” “helpful,” or “helper.”
    • Carson - Scottish and Irish Gaelic name meaning “son of Carr.”
    • Owen - Welsh and Irish name meaning “young warrior,” “well-born,” or “youth.”
    • Henry - Germanic name meaning “ruler of the home.”
    • Jayden - Hebrew name meaning “thankful” or “God will judge.”
    • Louis - Germanic name meaning “famous warrior.”
    • Frankie - Germanic name meaning “free” or “from France.”
    • Robbie - Germanic name meaning “bright fame.”
Section 3 of 11:

Unique Scottish Boy Names

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  1. Adair, Calder, and Gillespie are some unique Scottish boy names. Although these names are relatively uncommon, you might come across them from time to time. Some hold strange meanings, while others are simply outdated. Here’s a quick list of rare and unique options: [3]
    • Adair - Scottish Gaelic name meaning “oak grove.”
    • Ailean - Scottish Gaelic name meaning “bright” or “handsome.”
    • Ailpean - Scottish Gaelic name meaning “white.”
    • Aindrea - Scottish Gaelic name meaning “masculine.”
    • Alpin - Scottish Gaelic name meaning “white” or “fair.”
    • Athol - Refers to Atholl, a district in Scotland.
    • Aulay - Scottish name meaning “ancestor’s descendant.”
    • Bac - Scottish Gaelic name meaning “sand bank.”
    • Balloch - Scottish name meaning “village on the loch.”
    • Boyd - Scottish name meaning “yellow” or “blonde.”
    • Calder - Scottish name meaning “rough waters or streams.”
    • Dàibhidh - Scottish variant of David, meaning “beloved.”
    • Dalziel - Scottish name meaning “bright meadow or valley.”
    • Diarmad - Scottish Gaelic name meaning “without envy.”
    • Dinsmore - Scottish name meaning “fortified hill.”
    • Dòmhnall - Scottish Gaelic name meaning “ruler of the world.”
    • Donnchadh - Scottish Gaelic and Irish name meaning “brown” or “battle.”
    • Eachan - Scottish name meaning “brown horse.”
    • Errol - Scottish name meaning “nobleman” or “wanderer.”
    • Fife - Refers to the historic county of Fife in Scotland.
    • Filib - Scottish Gaelic name meaning “friend of horses.”
    • Gilchrist - Scottish name meaning “servant of Christ.”
    • Gillespie - Scottish Gaelic name meaning “servant of the bishop.”
    • Jockie - Scottish name meaning “gracious.”
    • Maoilios - Scottish Gaelic name meaning “servant of Jesus.”
    • Pàdraig - Scottish Gaelic name meaning “noble.”
    • Sachairi - Scottish Gaelic name meaning “God remembers.”
    • Sawney - Scottish variant of Alexander, meaning “defender of man.”
    • Tasgall - Scottish variant of an Old Norse name meaning “God’s helmet.”
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Section 4 of 11:

Modern Scottish Boy Names

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  1. Make a statement with a bold and modern boy name. If you want your baby boy to be unapologetically himself (and possibly break the rules), go for a name that’s fresh and modern! Here are some options that scream Gen Alpha: [4]
    • Ainsley - Scottish and English name meaning “solitary woodland” or “clearing.”
    • Blaine - Scottish and Irish Gaelic name meaning “yellow.”
    • Colin - Scottish and Irish Gaelic name meaning “young dog” or “whelp.”
    • Craig - Scottish Gaelic name meaning “rock.”
    • Elliot - English variant of Elijah, meaning “the Lord is my God.”
    • Forbes - Scottish name meaning “field” or “land.”
    • Gavin - Celtic name meaning “white hawk” or “battle hawk.”
    • Ian - Scottish name meaning “God is gracious.”
    • Innes - Refers to the barony of Innes in Moray.
    • Marcas - Scottish variant of Marcus, meaning “dedicated to Mars (the Roman god of war).”
    • Murdoch - Scottish Gaelic name meaning “mariner.”
    • Neil - Gaelic name meaning “champion.”
    • Ramsay - Old English name meaning “wild garlic island.”
    • Ross - Scottish Gaelic name meaning “headland” or “promontory.”
    • Sorley - Gaelic name meaning “summer sailor.”
    • Tam - Scottish variant of Thomas, meaning “twin.”
    • Torcull - Scottish Gaelic and Old Norse name meaning “Thor’s cauldron.”
    • Ualan - Scottish variant of Alan, meaning “handsome” or “cheerful.”
Section 5 of 11:

Old-Fashioned Scottish Boy Names

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  1. Look to the past for a classic and timeless name. Names like Donald and Keith have stuck around for good reason…they’re simple, strong, and suitable with many surnames. Here are some old-fashioned boy names, along with their meanings: [5]
    • Alan - Celtic and Irish name meaning “harmony,” “stone,” or “noble.”
    • Alasdair - Scottish Gaelic variant of Alexander, meaning “defender of mankind.”
    • Alastair - Scottish Gaelic variant of Alexander, meaning “defender of mankind.”
    • Alistair - Scottish Gaelic variant of Alexander, meaning “defender of mankind.”
    • Archibald - Germanic name meaning “precious and bold.”
    • Beathan - Scottish name meaning “life.”
    • Donald - Scottish and Celtic name meaning “ruler of the world.”
    • Goraidh - Scottish Gaelic name meaning “God’s peace” or “peaceful.”
    • Gordon - Scottish name meaning “great hill,” “spacious fort,” or “round hill.”
    • Graeme - Scottish name meaning “gravel homestead” or “gray home.”
    • Keith - Scottish name meaning “wood” or “forest.”
    • Kerr - Scottish and English name for someone who lived by a marsh.
    • Labhrann - Irish and Scottish Gaelic name meaning “little speaker.”
    • Ninian - Welsh name meaning “holy.”
    • Ronald - Old Norse-Scottish name meaning “ruler’s advisor” or “mighty counselor.”
    • Ruairi - Irish and Scottish Gaelic name meaning “red king.”
    • Stewart - Old English and Gaelic name meaning “steward” or “household guardian.”
    • Teàrlach - Scottish variant of Charles, meaning “manly.”
    • Torquil - Norse and Scottish Gaelic name meaning “Thor’s cauldron.”
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Section 6 of 11:

Strong Scottish Boy Names

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  1. Encourage him to take on the world with a strong and symbolic name. Looking for a powerful name that represents strength, bravery, courage, and a fighting spirit? The following options embody these qualities and may prompt your son to push forward when things get tough: [6]
    • Aodh - Scottish and Old Irish name meaning “fire.”
    • Aonghus - Scottish Gaelic and Irish name meaning “one strength.”
    • Bhaltair - Scottish Gaelic name meaning “power of an army.”
    • Dand - English and Scottish name meaning “manly vigor.”
    • Dougal - Scottish name meaning “dark stranger.”
    • Douglas - Scottish name meaning “dark river.”
    • Errol - Scottish name meaning “warrior.”
    • Fearghas - Scottish and Irish name meaning “man of strength.”
    • Fergus - Scottish name with Celtic roots, meaning “man of strength.”
    • Fionnlagh - Gaelic name meaning “white warrior.”
    • Grant - Scottish name with Old French origins, meaning “great” or “large.”
    • Gregor - Scottish variant of Gregor, meaning “watchful.”
    • Hendry - Scottish variant of Henry, meaning “home ruler.”
    • Kenneth - Scottish Gaelic name meaning “born of fire.”
    • Malcolm - Scottish name meaning “devotee of St. Columba.”
    • Mìcheal - Scottish variant of Micheal, meaning “who is like God?”
    • Muireadhach - Scottish and Old Irish name meaning “sea warrior.”
    • Neacel - Gaelic name meaning “victory of the people.”
    • Peadar - Scottish Gaelic name meaning “stone.”
    • Raghnall - Scottish Gaelic and Irish name meaning “ruler” or “power of the gods.”
    • Scott - Scottish and English name meaning “a person from Scotland.”
    • Steaphan - Scottish and Gaelic variant of Stephen, meaning “crown.”
    • Ùisdean - Scottish Gaelic name with Old Norse origins, meaning “stone island” or “good fortune.”
    • Wallace - Anglo-Norman French name meaning “foreigner,” “stranger,” or “Welshman.”
Section 7 of 11:

Cool Scottish Boy Names

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  1. These names roll off the tongue easily and are aesthetically pleasing. The following names are effortlessly cool and undoubtedly Scottish, perfect if you want something a bit edgier. Here are the coolest boy names and what they mean: [7]
    • Artair - Scottish Gaelic name meaning “bear king.”
    • Coinneach - Scottish Gaelic name meaning “handsome” or “comely.”
    • Eideard - Scottish Gaelic and Irish variant of Edward, meaning “wealthy guardian.”
    • Eoghan - Scottish Gaelic and Irish name meaning “born of the yew tree.”
    • Evander - Scottish name meaning “yew tree” or “king.”
    • Ewan - Scottish name meaning “born of the yew tree.”
    • Fletcher - Scottish and English name meaning “arrowsmith.”
    • Fraser - Scottish, English, and French name meaning “strawberry.”
    • Greig - Scottish name meaning “watchful.”
    • Irvine - English and Scottish name meaning “green water.”
    • Muir - Scottish Gaelic name meaning “moor” or “fen.”
    • Murchadh - Scottish Gaelic name meaning “sea warrior.”
    • Niven - Scottish name meaning “little saint.”
    • Rab - Scottish and German name meaning “bright fame.”
    • Ruadh - Medieval Scottish and Irish name meaning “red.”
    • Tàmhas - Scottish Gaelic variant of Thomas, meaning “twin.”
    • Tòmas - Scottish Gaelic name meaning “twin.”
    • Torcall - Scottish Gaelic and Norse name meaning “Thor’s cauldron.”
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Section 8 of 11:

Historic Scottish Boy Names

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  1. Honor your Scottish heritage with a name rooted in history. Scotland is a land steeped in history, and there’s no better way to pay homage to your culture than by choosing a historic name. Here are some names that embody warriors and chieftains of days gone by, along with their meanings: [8]
    • Baird - Scottish name meaning “poet” or “minstrel.”
    • Bruce - Scottish name with Norman origin, meaning “the willowlands,” “brushwood,” or “thicket.”
    • Cailean - Variant of Colin, meaning “young warrior” or “young lad.”
    • Clyde - Scottish name meaning “river.”
    • Duncan - Scottish name meaning “dark warrior” or “brown-haired chief.”
    • Dunn - Scottish, Irish, and English name meaning “dark brown.”
    • Eachann - Scottish name meaning “brown horse.”
    • Fearchar - Scottish Gaelic name meaning “dear man.”
    • Ferguson - Irish and Scottish name meaning “son of Fergus.”
    • Ivor - Scandinavian and Celtic name meaning “archer” or “bow warrior.”
    • Moray - Refers to the historical region in Scotland.
    • Roderick - English, Scottish, and Welsh name meaning “famous ruler.”
    • Roy - Scottish Gaelic name meaning “red” or “red-haired.”
    • Seumas - Scottish Gaelic name meaning “supplanter.”
    • Sholto - Scottish name meaning “sower.”
    • Stuart - Scottish and English name meaning “steward.”
    • Uilleam - Scottish Gaelic name meaning “resolute protection.”
Section 9 of 11:

Beautiful Scottish Boy Names

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  1. Pick a name that sounds beautiful and is packed with meaning. There are so many beautiful names that symbolize sweet concepts and show how much you love your baby boy. Here are some great options and what they mean: [9]
    • Aberdeen - Refers to the city of Aberdeen in northeast Scotland.
    • Adelbert - Germanic name meaning “noble bright.”
    • Caelan - Irish and Gaelic name meaning “slender.”
    • Carmichael - Scottish name meaning “Michael’s fort.”
    • Davie - Hebrew name meaning “beloved.”
    • Dixon - English and Anglo-Saxon name meaning “Richard’s son.”
    • Ellar - Scottish Gaelic name meaning “a stable and loving individual.”
    • Erskine - Old English name meaning “green rising ground.”
    • Hume - Scottish name meaning “heel spur of land.”
    • Islay - Scottish Gaelic name meaning “island.”
    • Lachie - Shortened version of Lachlan, meaning “from the land of lakes.”
    • Mirren - Scottish Gaelic name meaning “beloved” or “fair sea.”
    • Mungo - Scottish name meaning “my dear.”
    • Shug - Scottish nickname for Hugh or Hew.
    • Steenie - Greek name meaning “victorious” or “crowned one.”
    • Wiley - Old English name meaning “willow meadow” or “clearing.”
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Section 10 of 11:

How to Choose a Scottish Boy Name

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  1. Choose a name with a special meaning that complements your surname. There are tons of Scottish names that sound beautiful, so look up their meanings to find the perfect one. Most parents want something unique and timeless, but it’s totally up to you. Just make sure you and your partner agree on the choice, check that the initials don’t spell anything awkward or inappropriate, and try to choose a name that will age beautifully so your son will love it forever! [10]
Section 11 of 11:

Frequently Asked Questions

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  1. 1
    What Scottish boy names mean warrior? The following boy names mean “warrior” to some degree, making them perfect choices if you want something strong and symbolic: [11]
    • Cailean
    • Duncan
    • Errol
    • Fionnlagh/Finlay
    • Murdo
    • Murdoch
  2. 2
    What are some popular Scottish girl names? According to the National Records of Scotland’s baby name database for 2024, these are the most popular names for girls: [12]
    • Olivia
    • Isla
    • Freya
    • Lily
    • Millie
    • Sophia
    • Amelia
    • Emily
    • Ella
    • Charlotte
  3. 3
    What are some common Scottish middle names? Scottish middle names usually feature Gaelic, Celtic, and Old English influences. Here are some popular choices for boys:
    • Archie
    • Brodie
    • Callum
    • Ewan
    • Finlay
    • Hamish
    • Harris
    • Keir
    • Lewis
    • Logan
    • Rory
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/publications/babies-first-names-2024
      2. ↑ https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/publications/babies-first-names-2024
      3. ↑ https://www.motherandbaby.com/baby-names/boys/scottish-boy-names/
      4. ↑ https://www.madeformums.com/pregnancy/scottish-boy-names/
      5. ↑ https://lorenaylennox.com/scottish-baby-names/
      6. ↑ https://lorenaylennox.com/scottish-baby-names/
      7. ↑ https://www.madeformums.com/pregnancy/scottish-boy-names/
      8. ↑ https://lorenaylennox.com/scottish-baby-names/
      9. ↑ https://www.motherandbaby.com/baby-names/boys/scottish-boy-names/
      1. ↑ https://www.whattoexpect.com/baby-names/what-i-wish-i-knew-picking-baby-name/
      2. ↑ https://lorenaylennox.com/scottish-baby-names/
      3. ↑ https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/publications/babies-first-names-2024

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