Names by Origin
Scottish Names
Names from the Scottish tradition, including Scots Gaelic and broader Scottish usage.
Adaira
Ailean
handsome
Ailsa
Annella
Aonghas
one strength
Artair
bear
Beathag
life
Bhaltair
ruler of the army
Blair
plain, field
Bonnie
beautiful
Cailean
whelp, young one
Cairistiona
follower of Christ
Callum
dove
Camden
winding valley
Cameron
crooked nose
Catriona
pure
Coinneach
handsome
Daibhidh
beloved
Domhnall
ruler of the world
Donnchadh
brown warrior
Eideard
wealthy guardian
Eilidh
Elspeth
pledged to God
Eoin
God is gracious
Gaelic and broader Scottish usage
Scottish naming draws on more than one strand. Some names here are Scottish Gaelic forms with their own spelling and pronunciation; others are names with long-established usage in Scotland that come through Scots, Old English or Norse. A name appearing in this collection means it has a real Scottish association, not that it originated exclusively in Scotland — several names are shared with Irish or wider Gaelic tradition.
Spelling and pronunciation
Scottish Gaelic spelling follows its own rules, so forms like Eilidh, Coinneach or Ruairidh look unfamiliar to non-Gaelic readers but are well established. Where a meaning is shown it rests on a recognised Gaelic or other root. Names whose etymology is uncertain or disputed are shown without a meaning rather than carrying a folk explanation presented as fact.
Meanings are included where reliable information is available. These names reflect a naming tradition, not current popularity in any country.