Scottish boy names are a classic choice for your new baby boy, with deep roots in Scotland’s mystical culture and magical fairy tales. Scottish names usually refer to one of the many amazing stories the country is known for, from the mythical heroes of old to the revolutionary moments of Scottish independence.
If you want a traditional name that refers to Scottish culture, give your new child one of these Scottish boy names.
Alastair
Meaning: Scottish
Origins: Defender
Alastair is the Scottish Gaelic form of the name Alexander, and means ‘defender’ or ‘defending man’. It can also be spelt as ‘Alasdair’. Alastair is one of the most popular Scottish boy names, and famous bearers include Alastair Cook and Alastair Duncan.
Alban
Meaning: Gaelic
Origins: Rock
Alban comes from the Scottish Gaelic name for Scotland, Alba, which means ‘rock’.
Alexander
Meaning: Greek
Origins: Staunch Defender
The anglicised form of the name Alasdair is originally of Greek origin. It means ‘staunch defender’ and has been the name of several Scottish Kings, including Alexander I, II, and III. Alexander the Great is a famous bearer of Macedonian descent, but it is also a popular Scottish surname.
Andrew
Meaning: Greek
Origins: Brave Man
Andrew means ‘a brave man’ and is originally of Greek origin but has found popularity in Scotland ever since the prominent St. Andrew became a patron saint in Scotland. St. Andrews is also a significant attraction in Scotland, famous for its golfing hot spots.
Angus
Meaning: Scottish
Origins: Unique Choice
Angus is an old Scottish name, appearing in the 6th century and means ‘unique choice’. Angus is also tied to Scottish culture in the form of Angus beef, a high-quality type of meat found only in Aberdeen.
Arran
Meaning: Hebrew
Origins: Mountain of Strength
The Scottish Gaelic word for Aaron is originally of Hebrew origin, meaning ‘mountain of strength’ or exalted’. The famous Isle of Arran is often called ‘Scotland in Miniature’, as it has many of the diverse geographical features of the country all in one Isle.
Athol
Meaning: Scottish
Origins: New Ireland
First introduced in the 19th century, Athol is a unique Scottish boy’s name that means ‘New Ireland’, and famous bearers include Athol Fugard, a South African actor and playwright, and Athol Murray, a famed priest and educator.
Bac
Meaning: Anglo-Saxon
Origins: Bank
Derived from the English word for ‘bakke’, Bac is a Scottish boy’s name that means ‘bank’. While commonly used as a Scottish surname, it is a unique name for your new baby boy.
Baird
Meaning: Scottish
Origins: Poet
Baird means ‘poet’ or ‘minstrel’ and has the same roots as the word Bard – which may spark some recognition for anyone who plays fantasy games. John Logie Baird created the first mechanical television with Baird as their surname.
Blair
Meaning: Scottish
Origins: Meadow
A pleasant Scottish Boy name that means ‘field’, ‘meadow’, or ‘plains’. While Blair is originally a male name, it is also used as a name for girls in countries like America.
Boyd
Meaning: Celtic
Origins: Fair-Haired
Boyd is a name of Irish origin, meaning ‘fair haired’, but the Scottish version changes the meaning to ‘yellow’ or ‘blonde’. Boyd can either be used as a first name or a surname and was one of the top Scottish boy names during the 1900s in the US.
Bryce
Meaning: Celtic
Origins: Speckled
Coming from Irish roots, Bryce means ‘speckled’ or ‘pied’ and is equally popular as a first name or a surname. Bryce is also used as the Anglicised form of Bryson, which means ‘son of Brice’. If your new baby boy has freckles, Bryce is an excellent name with an adorable meaning.
Calum
Meaning: Scottish
Origins: Dove
Calum is also spelt as Callum and is the Scottish derivation of Malcolm. It means ‘dove’, with religious connotations of purity, peace, and even the Holy Spirit in Christianity (with Saint Columba as a famous example). Calum is among the most popular Scottish baby boy names for your new boy.
Cameron
Meaning: Scottish
Origins: Crooked Nose
Dating back to the 15th century, Cameron ranks as a popular Scottish surname and first name that means ‘crooked nose’. Cameron sometimes spelt Kameron, can also be used as a girl’s name but is, first and foremost, a boy’s name.
Campbell
Origins: Scottish
Meaning: Crooked Mouth
If the name Cameron doesn’t suit your taste, Campbell is another popular name in Scottish communities. It means ‘crooked mouth’. Often used as a surname more than a first name, Campbell is the third most common surname in Northern Ireland and is also used in other English-speaking countries like South Africa, Canada, and Australia.
Cinead
Origins: Scottish
Meaning: Born of Fire
If you want a unique Scottish boy’s name with an excellent meaning, Cinead offers just that since it means ‘born of fire’ or ‘fiery’. If you think your child will grow up to be ambitious and driven, Cinead is an excellent name to give them.
Clyde
Origins: Scottish
Meaning: Keeper of Keys
Clyde means ‘the keeper of the keys’ and is the name of a famous river that runs through Scotland known as the River Clyde. Notable people named Clyde include Clyde McCoy, a famed jazz trumpeter, and Clyde Jackson Browne, a musician.
Craig
Origins: Gaelic
Meaning: Rock
Craig is one of the earlier traditional Scottish boy names on this list and first appeared in the 15 century. It means ‘rock’, coming from the Gaelic word ‘creag’. Craig also features as one of the most famous Scottish surnames. If you want to give your child a sturdy and robust name of Scottish origin, Craig is a great name to give them.
Davis
Origins: Welsh
Meaning: Son of David
Initially originating from Wales, Davis means ‘Son of David’, derived from the Hebrew name David. Famous people named Davis are Sammy Davis Jr., an American songwriter and producer, and Warwick Davis, a famed actor.
Davis also holds Biblical importance, with King Davis of Israel being a prominent choice for Christian families.
Donald
Origins: Gaelic
Meaning: World Mighty
Donald popped up in Scotland during the 9th century and is a common first name and surname and includes famous clans from Scottish history like Clan MacDonald. The word originates from the Irish Gaelic ‘Domhnall’, which means ‘world mighty’.
Douglas
Origins: Scottish
Meaning: Stream
While commonly used as a surname in Scotland, Douglas emerged as a first name in the 16th century and has been a popular Scottish baby name ever since. The Douglas clan is one of the most popular uses of this name in Lanarkshire. The name means ‘stream’, making it an excellent reputation for the new young warrior in your life.
Duncan
Origins: Scottish
Meaning: Dark Warrior
Duncan is one of the most famous Scottish boy names, meaning ‘dark/brown warrior’, and is one of the earliest names to emerge in Scotland. Duncan gained popularity with Shakespeare’s Macbeth, with the titular character of King Duncan. Duncan is a name with deep Scottish roots and one of the most unique Scottish boy names you can give your child.
Eachann
Origins: Gaelic
Meaning: Horse
Eachann is a challenging name if you’re not a natural Gaelic speaker. Eachann means ‘horse’ and evokes a gallant and regal name for your baby boy.
Errol
Origins: Scottish
Meaning: Nobleman
Errol is a multi-facilitated classic name, meaning ‘Earl’ and ‘nobleman’. In Anglo-Saxon, it means ‘army commander’ and ‘wandering’ in Latin. The Scottish variant is tied to nobility, reflected in its most famous bearers, including Erroll Barrow, the first Prime Minister of Barbados. It is also a popular surname throughout the world.
Erskine
Origins: Scottish
Meaning: Verdant Hill
Erskine means ‘high marsh’ or ‘verdant hill’, a famous Scottish surname throughout Scotland. Erskine is associated with nature and is most common in places where wildlife is abundant, like the River Clyde and Glasgow.
Ewan
Origins: Celtic
Meaning: Youthful
Also sometimes spelt as Euan, Ewan is a popular Scottish boy’s name thanks to famous bearers like Ewan MacGregor. The name means ‘born of the yew tree’ or ‘youthful’ and is one of the top Scottish names for children who want to retain their youth and energy.
Farlan
Origins: Scottish
Meaning: Son of Furrows
This name rolls off the tongue very well and means ‘son of furrows’. Farlan is also a surname in Scotland, most prominently in McFarlan.
Fergus
Origins: Scottish
Meaning: Brave Chieftan
Fergus is an old name from the Scottish Highlands and has long been associated with regal kings and queens of Pictish and Celtic society. The name means ‘brave chieftain or ‘man of strength’, which ranks as one of the top if you’re looking for cool meanings.
Fingal
Origins: Gaelic
Meaning: Fair Stranger
Fingal is derived from the Irish-Gaelic word Fine Gall, a term for the Viking settlers just north of Dublin, Ireland. It means ‘fair stranger’, which is appropriate for its origin. If you want your child to celebrate their Nordic ancestry, this name is a great way to do so.
Finlay
Origins: Scottish
Meaning: Courageous One
Closely related to Fingal, Finlay means ‘fair warrior’ or ‘courageous one’ and is one of the most famous Scottish boy names if you want to bestow royalty onto your baby boy.
Finn
Origins: Scottish
Meaning: Man from Finland
Our final Fin-Finn was the term used for Nordic settlers to Scotland and Ireland and sometimes translates literally to ‘man from Finland’. Notable bearers of Finn are Huckleberry Finn, Finn Wolfhard from Stranger Things, and the actress Finn Atkins. Finn and its iterations are a top choice for a unique Scottish boys’ name.
Fyfe
Origins: Scottish
Meaning: From Fifeshire
One of this list’s most unique Scottish baby names is Fyfe, meaning ‘from Fifeshire’. If you have family history from this historic county in Scotland, why not give your baby this name to make them stand out and honour your history?
Gavan
Origins: Welsh
Meaning: White Falcon
Gavan comes from the Middle Ages, meaning ‘small falcon’ or ‘white falcon’. It’s one of the traditional names of the British Isles that date back long before many of the names on this list.
Gilmore
Origins: Gaelic
Meaning: Great Servant
Coming from Gaelic origin, Gilmore is a great name that means ‘servant of the Virgin Mary’ or ‘great servant’. Many meanings in Irish and English origin point to the pious and religious significance, evoking a godly strength for your child.
Gordon
Origins: Scottish
Meaning: Great Hill
Gordon is one of the most famous Scottish names on this list, thanks to celebrities like Gordon Ramsey and Gordon Brown. It means ‘great hill’ and is a solid, traditional name for a boy.
Graham
Origins: Anglo-Saxon
Meaning: Grand Home
This Old English name means ‘gravelly homestead’ or ‘grand home’ and was a popular Scottish surname in the 12 century. Famous forebearers of the name Graham include Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephone.
Gregor
Origins: Greek
Meaning: Vigilant
Most commonly known and recognised from the Scottish clan name of MacGregor and controversial fighter Connor MacGregor, this name means ‘vigilant’ or ‘ever watchful’.
Gunn
Origins: Anglo-Saxon
Meaning: Servant of the Brown One
This anglicised form of Mac Gille Dhuinn means ‘son of the servant of the brown one’, but the English meaning instead harkens to occupations, namely cannons and rifles. Famous bearers of the name and surname Gunn include James Gunn, an American filmmaker and Tim Gunn, an American author.
Hamish
Origins: Hebrew
Meaning: May God Protect
Hamish comes from the Hebrew name James, which means ‘one to supplant’ or ‘may God protect’ and is a solid name with strong and powerful religious connotations. Giving your child this Scottish twist on this classic name will make them stand out.
Hay
Origins: French
Meaning: Hedge
Hay is a prevalent Scottish name in Scotland today and is frequently used as a first name and surname. It means ‘hedge’ from the old French word ‘haye’ and arrived in England when French settlers came after William of Normandy.
Houston
Origins: Anglo-Saxon
Meaning: From Hugh’s Town
Houston is world-spanning, but originally comes from an English origin that means ‘from Hugh’s Town’. Residents from around Glasgow are usually given the last name Houston, but it is also commonly used as a girl’s name in Texas, where a famous town is named Houston.
Iain
Origins: Gaelic
Meaning: God is Gracious
Iain means ‘God is gracious, which is appropriate considering that Iain is the Gaelic word for John. Iain can also be spelt as Ian, Ean, or Eion, and it has famous bearers, including Ian McKellen, famed for his portrayal of Gandalf in Lord of the Rings.
Irvine
Origins: Scottish
Meaning: Green Water
As a surname and a name, Irvine means ‘green water’ and refers to the winding River Irvine that runs through South West Scotland. It is also considered a popular Scottish surname.
Jackie
Origins: Anglo-Saxon
Meaning: God is Gracious
Derived from the English name John or Jacques, it means ‘God is gracious’ like the more Gaelic Iain. Jackie is a unisex name and a short form of Jacqueline when given to a girl. Famous bearers of Jackie are notable actor Jackie Chan and actress Jackie Chung. Jackie is an excellent choice for a unisex name with powerful and traditional religious connotations.
James
Origins: Roman
Meaning: One who Supplants
James is a Scottish boy name that has been used by Scottish royalty, including Scottish King James – all seven of them! Meaning ‘one who supplants’, it rose in popularity in the 13th century and has been a prominent name ever since with bearers like actor James Franco and television host James Corden. Hamish is a solid choice if you want a more traditional Scottish boy name.
Jock
Origins: Scottish
Meaning: God is Gracious
Jock is another form of the pervasive John that has found popularity among Scottish boys’ names and means ‘God is gracious’. If you want a name with religious references and stand-out quality, Jock is a great choice.
Keith
Origins: Scottish
Meaning: From the Battleground
Keith is a fierce Scottish name that means ‘from the battleground’ and has been a popular Scottish name and surname since the 19th century. Keith is also a town in northeast Scotland well known for being the start of Scotland’s malt whisky trail.
Kennedy
Origins: Scottish
Meaning: Leader
Meaning ‘leader’ or ‘wearer of helmet’, Kennedy is a unique and traditional Scottish boy name to give to your child. While originally from Scotland and Ireland, Kennedy has found immense popularity worldwide with notable figures, including former United States President John. F. Kennedy and Kennedy Graham, a New Zealand politician.
Kenzie
Origins: Scottish
Meaning: Handsome
Kenzie is a beautiful name with an equally beautiful meaning, ‘handsome’ and ‘good looking’. Originally in the form of MacKenzie, Kenzie is the shortened version of this Scottish clan name.
Knox
Origins: Old English
Meaning: Round Hilltop
Originally given to people who lived upon a hilltop, Knox means ’round hilltop’ and ’round-topped hill’ from the Old English word ‘cnocc’. It’s a famous Scottish surname, with people like John Knox playing an essential role in the Reformation in Scotland. Knox is a trendy first name, too, with the child of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt called Knox Jolie Pitt.
Lachlan
Origins: Scottish
Meaning: War-like
Lachlan has strong connections not only to Scottish and Irish roots but Nordic ones, too. It means ‘from the land of lakes’ or ‘war-like’, depending on which origin you take into consideration. Its popularity rose in the 13th century in the Scottish Highlands and in many English-speaking countries, including Australia, where it was among the top ten between 2000 and 2010.
Lamont
Origins: Norse
Meaning: Law Man
Lamont is among the strongest Scottish male names and means ‘law man’ in the Old Norse dialect.
Leslie
Origins: Scottish
Meaning: One who lives by the Garden Pool
Often seen as a surname but also a common first name, Leslie means ‘one who lives by the garden pool’ and can relate to the faeries and selkies of Scottish and Irish mythology. It was first seen in the 11th century and has been growing in popularity ever since.
Lennox
Origins: Scottish
Meaning: Elm Grove
Coming from Scottish and Irish roots, Lennox means ‘elm grove’ but also has the biblical meaning of ‘smooth farm’.
Lewis
Origins: Old German
Meaning: Famed Warrior
Scotland is a famous Scottish surname of Old German origin that means ‘famed warrior’ or ‘renowned.’ It is perfect for a baby who wants to have charismatic and leadership qualities. Famous people with the name include Lewis Carroll, an English writer.
Lindsay
Origins: Scottish
Meaning: Place of Linden Trees
Lindsay means ‘a place of Linden trees’ or ‘a lake’ and has been a Scottish boy and a popular girl name, with bearers like Lindsay Lohan – famed singer.
Mac
Origins: Gaelic
Meaning: Son of
Mac is a robust and powerful name of Scottish Gaelic origin that means ‘son of’. It’s frequently used as the prefix for many Scottish clans, including MacDonald.
Malcolm
Origins: Gaelic
Meaning: Follower of the Dove
Originally from the Gaelic word ‘maol calium’, which means’ follower of the dove’. The follower of the dove is usually depicted as Saint Columba, but it can also mean ‘the man of Columba’. It’s the Scottish Gaelic version of Calum, and Malcolm is an excellent alternative if Calum is different from your taste.
Muir
Origins: Scottish
Meaning: Sea Warrior
Muir means ‘sea warrior’ and is a famous Scottish surname for many nationwide. Muir is one of the classic names most commonly found in Clan Muir, who lived in Ayrshire.
Murdoch
Origins: Celtic
Meaning: The Son of the Sea
Murdoch has strong relations to the oceans surrounding Ireland and Scotland, meaning ‘the son of the sea’ or ‘protector of the sea’. If you want to relate your child to the beautiful oceans surrounding Scotland, Murdoch is a solid choice – or one of its iterations like Murdoc or Murdy.
Ness
Origins: Scottish
Meaning: From the Headland
Originally of Scottish-Scandinavian origin, it means ‘from the headland’. Famous for not only geographical locations like Loch Ness (of Loch Ness Monster fame) but also people like Ness Edwards, Ness is a unique name with a few famous bearers.
Niall
Origins: Scottish
Meaning: Coming from the Clouds
Niall is a profound Scottish and Irish name that means ‘coming from the clouds’. Niall features considerably in Scottish legends in the Niall and Nine Hostages tale – where a Niall of legend brought a young slave to Ireland who became St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.
You’ll be very familiar with the name Niall if you’re a fan of the boyband One Direction.
Ogilvy
Origins: Scottish
Meaning: From the High Peak
Ogilvy means ‘from the high peak’ and was initially given to Scottish folk living within Ogilvie’s barony in Angus.
Owen
Origins: Gaelic
Meaning: Noble Born
Owen is an ancient name from Irish Gaelic, from when the Picts arrived in Scotland. Owen means ‘noble born’ or ‘born to nobility’ and has famous bearers, including actor Owen Wilson.
Payton
Origins: Scottish
Meaning: Noble
Offer your child an air of nobility with the name Payton, which appropriately means ‘noble’. Payton is famous as both a male and female name, with famous Paytons including the famous quarterback, Payton Manning.
Quinn
Origins: Celtic
Meaning: Wise
Quinn offers a gender-neutral name that means ‘wise’ but also has roots that mean ‘descendants of Conn’. It’s expected as a first name but also a surname worldwide.
Ramsay
Origins: Scottish
Meaning: Wild Garlic
While Ramsay is more popular as a surname than a first name in Scotland, it is still an excellent choice that means ‘from Ram’s Island’ or ‘wild garlic’. The latter is most appropriate for its famous bearer, Gordon Ramsay, but is an excellent choice for a flavourful first name.
Rodrick
Origins: Germanic
Meaning: Famous Ruler
Rodrick is a prevalent first name and surname in Scotland and means ‘famous ruler’, which has various spellings like Rodrik, Rhodrik, and more but makes for a solid reputation for your baby boy.
Rory
Origins: Gaelic
Meaning: Red King
One of the most ancient names from Scotland, Rory, comes from the old Gaelic word for ‘ruadh ri’, which means red king.
Ross
Origins: Scottish
Meaning: Headland
Ross has been seen in Scotland since the 12th century and means ‘headland’. Its Germanic roots, however, point to a meaning like ‘mighty horse’. Famous Ross include Ross Lynch, a singer, and Ross Matthews, a comedian.
Scot
Origins: Gaelic
Meaning: Scotsman
One of the most direct names on this list, Scot, means ‘Scotsman’ or ‘a person from Scotland’ but in the natural Scottish Gaelic dialect as ‘Gaelic wanderer’. Scot is a natural accompaniment for any child who wants to embody their Scottish heritage.
Shaw
Origins: Scottish
Meaning: Dweller by the Wood
Shaw is a very tough, masculine name of Scottish origin that means ‘dweller by the wood’ or ‘wolf’ and has gained quite a bit of popularity in Scotland and Ireland. It is also a great surname that was established in the 17th century.
Sinclair
Origins: Scottish
Meaning: Bright
Sinclair means ‘bright’ and ‘clear’ and was initially popularised by the Scottish clan called the Sinclairs that occupied the Lothians portion of Scotland and the Orkney Islands – in fact, much of the North East tip of Scotland.
Stewart
Origins: Scottish
Meaning: Guardian
Stewart is a great first name or surname for your new baby boy, and it was recently discovered that almost half of all men with Stewart as their last name have some connection to Scottish royalty. Stewart means ‘guardian’ and can be spelt in numerous ways, including Stuart, Steward, etc.
Thomas
Origins: Hebrew
Meaning: Twin
Thomas is a classic name that is of Hebrew origin, meaning ‘twin’. Not only is Thomas a prominent name in the Christian Bible’s New Testament, but it has had famous people like American inventor Thomas Edison heralding its name.
Torrence
Origins: Gaelic
Meaning: From the Craggy Hills
Torrence is a unique Scottish boys’ name that means ‘from the craggy hills’ or ‘from the hillocks’ and was frequently used as a name for Scottish people who lived in traditionally hilly locations in Scotland like East Kilbride and Glasgow.
Tyree
Origins: Norse
Meaning: From Tyrie
From Scottish origin, Tyree means ‘from Tyrie’, which has close ties to the Nordic settlers that lived on the far-flung Isles in Scotland. Tyree is linked to the Old Norse God, Tyr, the God of war and justice. At the same time, it is primarily a boy’s name; Tyree is also an excellent girl’s name.
Uisdean
Origins: Scottish
Meaning: Intelligent
Uisdean is one of the unique Scottish boy names that means ‘intelligent’ or even ‘island stone’ that graces a child with wisdom and intelligence. Clan Uisdean later came into prominence when the anglicized form of Uisdean, Hugh of Sleat.
Wallace
Origins: Gaelic
Meaning: Stranger
Wallace is a mighty Scottish name, with William Wallace being the most important example and the Wallace clan. Wallace is also a versatile name for Christians and tends to mean ‘foreigner’ or ‘stranger’. Plus, Wally is a great nickname that you can use too.
William
Origins: Germanic
Meaning: Strong-Willed Warrior
William is a prevalent name, not only in Scotland but in England as well. Its reach has expanded worldwide, though and means ‘strong-willed warrior’ or ‘resolute protector’. It initially has Germanic roots, but William has risen in notoriety due to the several kinds that have held the name, including the famous William the Conqueror.
