Whether you opt for a timeless, traditional name or one that rides the wave of popularity, our list of the top 245 Scottish baby boy names and their meanings will deliver!
The allure of Scottish names has surged in Western countries—and understandably so. Names like James and Alexander, which are imbued with captivating strength, are both gracefully charming and regal—much like the enchantment of your baby's gurgle.
Seeking a popular name that radiates a meaningful glow and unique effulgence? A classic choice would be Ben or Glenn, embodying elegance and subtly echoing the country's mesmerizing natural landscapes.
If you'd like to reach back into the knightly days of Scottish history, names, like, Douglas and Gavin, forged in the fires of ancient Scottish culture, bristle with cultural significance and meaning!
In this article:
So, which name will be the perfect fit for your little knight?
Let's narrow down the top 245 Scottish baby names for boys to find out.
Scottish names for boys:
Aed - Fire.
Aedan - Born of fire.
Alastair - Scottish form of Alexander; defender of the people.
Alpin - White.
Angus - Unique choice; meaning "one strength."
Arran - Name of an island in Scotland, meaning exalted or prominent
Artair - Bear-like or Rock.
Aulay - Ancestor's descendant.
Baen - Fair-skinned.
Balfour - Pasture land or The village by the pasture.
Barclay - Birch tree meadow.
Blair - Battlefield or plain, meadow, field.
Boyd - Yellow-haired or Blond.
Bran - Raven.
Brodie - A little ridge or a brow or a precipice.
Bruce - From the brushwood thicket; the name of Scottish kings.
Bryce - Speckled or Freckled.
Caden - Spirit of battle or Round, Gentle
Cael - Victorious people or Slender
Cailean - Young dog.
Cain - Acquired or Possesed
Calder - Rough waters.
Calum - Dove; Scottish form of Columba.
Camden - From the winding valley.
Camdyn - Winding valley.
Carrick - Rock.
Carson - Son of the marsh-dwellers.
Chalmers - Rules the home.
Clach - Stone.
Clive - From the cliff.
Con - Wise or Strange, Foreign
Conall - Strong wolf.
Cormag - Charioteer.
Craig - From the rocks or crag.
Crawford - From the crow's ford.
Crispin - Curly-haired.
Dallan - Valley of water or Blind
Dallas - From the Dales or meadow dwelling
Davie - Beloved; form of David.
Dermid - Free man or Free of Envy.
Donnan - Brown.
Dougal - Dark stranger.
Douglas - Dark stream.
Drew - Manly.
Drummond - At the ridge.
Duff - Dark.
Duffie - Dark peace.
Duncan - Dark-skinned warrior; a king of Scotland.
Dunlop - Muddy hill.
Eachann - Horse brown.
Ealadhach - Strong will power.
Ealasaid - God is my oath.
Eamonn - Wealthy protector.
Eanraig - Ruler of the home; Scottish form of Henry.
Eideard - Rich guard; Scottish form of Edward.
Eoghan - Born of the yew tree or Youth.
Eòin - God is gracious.
Erskine - From the high hills or Upon the knife.
Ervin - Green water.
Euan - Youthful.
Ewen - Young.
Faelan - Little wolf.
Farquhar - Friendly man.
Fearchar - Dear one.
Fergie - Supreme man.
Fergus - Strong man.
Fingal - White stranger.
Finlay - Fair-haired hero.
Finn - White or fair.
Fleming - Man from Flanders.
Forbes - Field.
Fraser - Strawberryor Of the forest man.
Galen - Calm.
Garroway - Rough peace.
Gavin - White hawk.
Gilchrist - Servant of Christ.
Gilleasbuig - Bishop's servant.
Glen - From the wooded valley.
Glenwood - Valley forest.
Gordon - Great hill.
Gow - Smith.
Graham - Gravelly homestead.
Greer - Watchful.
Gregor - Vigilant, a watchman.
Guthrie - Windy spot.
Hallam - At the rocks.
Hamish - Supplanter; Scottish form of James.
Hamlyn - Little home-lover.
Haslett - From the hazel tree land.
Hayden - Heathen or Of the heathen.
Hendry - Ruler of the household.
Iagan - God is gracious.
Ian - God is gracious; Scottish form of John.
Innes - Island.
Irven - Green water.
Irvine - Fresh water.
Isaac - He will laugh.
Ivor - Archer.
Jack - God is gracious.
Jaimi - Supplanter.
Jamie - Supplanter.
Jamieson - Supplanter.
Jock - God is gracious.
Kaden - Son of Cadan
Keane - Fighter.
Keir - Dark skinned.
Keith - Wood.
Kellen - Slender.
Kelvin - River man.
Kenzie - Fair one.
Kerr - Dark or Dusky.
Kinnon - Fair born.
Kyle - Narrow.
Lach - Lives near water.
Lachlan - From the land of lakes.
Laird - Lord.
Lamont - Man of law.
Leith - Broad river.
Lenno - With many elm trees.
Lennox - With many elm trees.
Leslie - Holly garden.
Lindsey - Linden tree island.
Logan - Little hollow.
Loudon - Low valley.
Lyle - The island.
Lyndon - From the linden tree hill.
Macaulay - Son of righteousness.
Macfarlane - Son of Farlan.
Macgregor - Son of a shepherd.
Mack - Son of.
Mackendrick - Son of Henry.
Mackinnon - Son of fair born.
Macklin - Son of Flann.
Maddox - Fortunate.
Madison - Gift from God and mighty warrior.
Malcolm - Devotee of Saint Columba.
Maldue - Man's Defender or Helper of Mankind.
Malin - Little strong warrior.
Manus - Great.
Marsaili - Mars' worshipper.
Menzies - From Menzies in Scotland.
Mingus - Tenant.
Monroe - Mouth of the Roe river.
Mungo - Dear one.
Munro - Man from the mouth of the Roe.
Murray - Settlement by the sea.
Nairne - At the alder tree river.
Naomhan - Little saint.
Nash - At the ash tree.
Neacel - People's victory.
Neil - Champion or passionate or eager.
Neilson - Neil's son.
Niall - Champion or passionate or eager.
Nicol - People's victory.
Niven - Little saint.
Ogden - Oak valley.
Oidhche - Night.
Oran - Green.
Osgar - Deer lover.
Padruig - Patrician.
Parlan - Farmer; Scottish form of Bartholomew.
Parth - Son of the furrows.
Paton - Royal.
Payton - Village of the Warrior.
Peadair - Stone.
Peadar - Stone; Scottish form of Peter.
Pentland - From Pictland.
Quade - One who is born fourth or evil. Some claim that it is derived from the Gaelic "cuada," which means "wavy" or "shaggy."
Quillan - Cub.
Quincy - Estate of the fifth son.
Quinlan - Graceful.
Raibeart - Bright fame.
Ramsay - Garlic island.
Ranald - Scottish form of Ronald, meaning ruler's counselor.
Rannoch - Lake with islands.
Ranulf - Raven wolf.
Reid - Red-haired.
Renny - Small and mighty.
Rob - Bright fame.
Robbie - Famed, bright, shining.
Roderick - Famous ruler.
Ron - Ruler's counselor.
Rory - Red-haired king.
Ross - Peninsula or Headland.
Rosselin - Red.
Roy - Red.
Ruaridh - Red king.
Saunderson - Sandy soil.
Sawyer - Cuts timber.
Scott - A Scotsman.
Scotty - Scottish.
Seoras - Farmer; Scottish form of George.
Seymour - From Saint-Maur.
Shand - Thunder.
Shaun - God is gracious.
Shaw - Dweller by the wood.
Sholto - Sower.
Shug - Intelligent.
Sinclair - From Saint Clair, France.
Skye - Cloud or Mist.
Sloan - Warrior or Fighter.
Sorley - Viking.
Stevie - Crown.
Stewart - Guardian or Steward.
Struan - Stream.
Stuart - Guardian or Steward.
Sutherland - From the southern land.
Sweeney - Little hero.
Tadg - Poet or philosopher.
Tait - Merry.
Talbert - Bright valley.
Tam - Twin.
Tamhas - Twin.
Tavion - Twin.
Tavish - Twin.
Teagan - Little poet and descendant of Tadhgán or Fair and Beautiful.
Thane - Landholder.
Thorburn - Thor's bear.
Tierney - Lord.
Tiree - Land of corn.
Tod - Fox.
Tomas - Twin.
Tormod - Mind or Courage.
Torquil - Thor's helmet.
Tristan - Tumult.
Tucker - Fabric pleater.
Uallach - Proud.
Uilleam - Will, desire, and helmet; Scottish form of William.
Uisdean - Intelligent.
Urquhart - From the rowan wood.
Vardon - Green knoll.
Vass - From the ash tree.
Vaughan - Small.
Wallace - Foreigner or stranger.
Walter - Army ruler.
Warwick - From the buildings by the weir.
Wat - Ruler of the army.
Watkin - Army ruler.
Watson - Son of Walter.
Willie - Helmet.
Wilson - Son of Will.
Wylie - Beguiling.
Wynn - Friend.
Yardley - From the enclosed meadow.
Zayne - God is gracious.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a classic Scottish male name?
Let's explore classic Scottish boy names deeply intertwined with the nation's rich historical tapestry.
These names not only powerfully evoke Scotland's illustrious past but are also brimming with unique meanings:
Classic Scottish Boy Names:
William: The name William is of Germanic origin and means "resolute protector." It combines the elements "wil," meaning "will" or "desire," and "helm," meaning "helmet" or "protection."
Alexander: Alexander is a name of Greek origin that means "defender of mankind" or "protector of men." It is derived from the Greek words "alexein," meaning "to defend," and "anēr," meaning "man."
James: James is a name derived from the Hebrew name "Ya'aqov" or "Jacob," which means "supplanter" or "one who grabs the heel."
Robert: Robert is an Old Germanic name that means "bright fame" or "famous ruler." It is derived from the elements "hrod," meaning "fame," and "beraht," meaning "bright" or "shining."
John: John is a name of Hebrew origin and means "God is gracious." It is derived from the Hebrew name "Yochanan," which combines the elements "Yah," an abbreviation of Yahweh (the Hebrew name for God), and "chanan," meaning "to be gracious."
Andrew: Andrew is a name of Greek origin that means "manly" or "courageous." It is derived from the Greek word "andreios," meaning "manly" or "brave."
David: David is a Hebrew name that means "beloved" or "dear." It is derived from the Hebrew word "dod," meaning "beloved." In the Bible, David was a shepherd who became the legendary second king of Israel.
Thomas: Thomas is a name of Aramaic origin and means "twin." It is derived from the Aramaic word "toma," meaning "twin."
Donald: Donald is a Scottish Gaelic name that means "world ruler" or "ruler of the world." The name comes from the Scottish Gaelic name "Domhnall," which is derived from the Old Celtic components "dumno" meaning "world" and "val" meaning "rule."
Kenneth: Kenneth is a name of Scottish Gaelic origin and means "fire-born" or "good-looking."
Malcolm: Malcolm is a Scottish Gaelic name that means "devotee of Saint Columba" or "disciple of Saint Columba." It is derived from the Gaelic elements "mal," meaning "servant" or "devotee," and "colm," referring to Saint Columba.
What boys' names are popular in Scotland?
According to research that took place in September 2022, the 11 most popular Scottish baby names are - in order of popularity:
Popular Scottish baby names
Noah: Noah is a name of Hebrew origin and means "rest" or "comfort."
Jack: Jack is a name of English origin and is derived from the name John. It means "God is gracious" or "gift of God."
Leo: Leo is a name of Latin origin and means "lion."
Harris: Harris is a name of Scottish origin and is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word "àirheartach," which means "descendant of the army ruler."
Luca: Derived from the Greek name Loukas and of Italian origin, meaning "Light" or "Bringer of light."
Oliver: Oliver is a name of Latin origin and means "olive tree."
Rory: Derived from the Gaelic name Ruaidhrí, of Irish and Scottish origin, meaning "Red King."
Archie: A diminutive form of Archibald, of Scottish and English origin, meaning "True and bold" or "Truly brave."
Theo: A short form of Theodore, of Greek origin, meaning "God's gift."
Alfie: A diminutive form of Alfred, of English origin, meaning "Elf counsel" or "Wise counselor."
James: James is a name of Hebrew origin and means "supplanter" or "one who grabs the heel." It is derived from the Hebrew name "Ya'aqov" or "Jacob."
What are male Scotch names?
Enticingly unique and packed with a robust charm, male Scotch names are truly magnificent choices for your baby boy.
Keep reading and find one that resonates:
Alistair: Alistair is a Scottish Gaelic name derived from the Greek name "Alexandros," meaning "defender of mankind." It combines the elements "alēxō," meaning "to defend," and "anēr," meaning "man."
Angus: Angus is a Scottish Gaelic name that means "one choice" or "unique choice." It is derived from the Gaelic word "Aonghas."
Archibald: "Archibald is a name of Germanic origin, introduced to Scotland in medieval times. It combines the elements 'ercan,' meaning 'genuine' or 'true,' and 'bald,' meaning 'bold' or 'brave,' thus meaning 'genuine boldness' or 'truly bold.
Callum: Callum is a Scottish name that means "dove."
Dougal: Dougal is a Scottish Gaelic name derived from the Irish name "Dubhghall," meaning "dark stranger" or "dark-haired stranger." It combines the elements "dubh," meaning "dark," and "gall," meaning "stranger" or "foreigner."
Duncan: Duncan is a Scottish Gaelic name that means "brown warrior" or "dark-skinned warrior." It combines the elements "dunn," meaning "brown" or "dark," and "can," meaning "warrior."
Ewan: Ewan is a Scottish Gaelic name derived from the Irish name "Eoghan," which means "born of the yew tree."
Fergus: Fergus is a Scottish Gaelic name that means "man of force" or "strong man." It combines the elements "fear," meaning "man," and "gus," meaning "force" or "strength."
Hamish: Hamish is a Scottish Gaelic name derived from the name "Seumas," which is the Scottish version of James. It means "supplanter" or "one who grabs the heel."
Lachlan: Lachlan is a Scottish Gaelic name that means "land of lakes" or "from the fjord-land." It is derived from the Gaelic elements "lach," meaning "lake," and "lann," meaning "land" or "enclosure."
Magnus: Magnus is a Scottish and Scandinavian name that means "great" or "mighty."
Murdo: Murdo is a Scottish Gaelic name derived from the name "Murchadh," which means "sea warrior" or "mariner." It combines the elements "muir," meaning "sea," and "cadh," meaning "warrior."
Rory: Rory is a Scottish Gaelic name that means "red king" or "red-haired king." It is derived from the Gaelic word "ruadh," meaning "red" or "red-haired."
Seamus: Seamus is an Irish and Scottish Gaelic name that is the Irish form of James. It means "supplanter" or "one who grabs the heel."
Stewart: Stewart is a Scottish surname that originated from the occupational title "steward," referring to an official responsible for the management of a household or estate.
What are typical Scottish Gaelic names?
Overflowing with magnetic charm and a beauty that imbues them with an enchanting sophistication, Scottish Gaelic names also carry historical significance, making them truly spectacular.
Here are some names that possess a timeless appeal:
Ailean (Alan): Ailean is the Scottish Gaelic form of the name Alan. It has Celtic origins and means "handsome" or "harmony."
Ailpein (Alpin): Ailpein, or Alpin, is a Scottish Gaelic name that is derived from the Old Irish name "Ailpín." Its meaning is uncertain, but it is thought to be related to the word "alp," meaning "white" or "fair."
Caoimhín (Kevin): Caoimhín is a Scottish Gaelic name that is the Irish and Scottish Gaelic form of the name Kevin. It means "gentle," "kind," or "handsome."
Coinneach (Kenneth): Coinneach is a Scottish Gaelic name that means "handsome" or "fair." It is the Scottish Gaelic form of the name Kenneth.
Domhnall (Donald): Domhnall is a Scottish Gaelic name that means "world ruler" or "ruler of the world." It is the Gaelic form of the name Donald.
Eòghan (Ewan): Eòghan is a Scottish Gaelic name that is the Gaelic form of the name Ewan or Evan. Its exact meaning is uncertain, but it is thought to be related to the Gaelic word "eòghunn," meaning "youth" or "born of the yew tree."
Fearghas (Fergus): Fearghas is a Scottish Gaelic name that means "man of force" or "strong man." It is the Gaelic form of the name Fergus.
Gilleasbuig (Archibald): Gilleasbuig is a Scottish Gaelic name that is the Gaelic form of the name Archibald. It means "servant of Bishop James" or "devotee of Saint James."
Iain (John): Iain is a Scottish Gaelic name that is the Gaelic form of the name John. It means "God is gracious" or "gift of God."
Màrtainn (Martin): Màrtainn is a Scottish Gaelic name that is the Gaelic form of the name Martin. It means "warrior of Mars" or "servant of Mars."
Murchadh (Murdoch): Murchadh is a Scottish Gaelic name that means "sea warrior" or "mariner." It is the Gaelic form of the name Murdoch.
Seumas (James): Seumas is a Scottish Gaelic name that is the Gaelic form of the name James. It means "supplanter" or "one who grabs the heel."
Tormod (Norman): Tormod is a Scottish Gaelic name that means "courage of Thor" or "brave as a thunder god." It is the Gaelic form of the name Norman.
Uilleam (William): Uilleam is a Scottish Gaelic name that is the Gaelic form of the name William. It means "resolute protector" or "determined guardian."
Uisdean (Hugh): Uisdean is a Scottish Gaelic name that is the Gaelic form of the name Hugh. It means "heart" or "mind."
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Scottish boy names are deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of Scottish history – they're as captivating and timeless as legends like Sir William Wallace!
With that said, consider revisiting our list of the top Scottish baby girl names and their meanings, as well as the top Scottish baby names and their meanings.
