If you live in Scotland, or have spent time in the country, you will no doubt have met many people with beautiful and unique names.
From traditional Scots names like Catriona and Alastair, to more unique choices such as Lundie and Munro, you are likely to remember a Scottish name when you hear it. Some names, such as Jessie, you might not have even known have Scots origins.
With the rise in worldwide popularity of films and television series set in Scotland, Scottish names have become increasingly prevalent in recent years. Some previously obscure names, including Dougal and Laoghaire, are seeing increased usage thanks to shows like Outlander.
Whether you are currently deciding on a name, or are simply interested in learning more, here are 15 beautiful Scottish names, as well as their origins and meanings.
Blair
This unisex name is derived from the Scottish Gaelic 'blàr', meaning 'plain', 'meadow' or 'field'. You may have come across both men and women called Blair at one point or another, as it is gender-neutral.
Bonnie
Bonnie is a traditional Scottish name that is popular all over the world, particularly North America. It comes from the Scots word 'bonnie', which means 'pretty' or 'beautiful'.
Eilidh
The name Eilidh derives from the Gaelic version of Eleanor, and means 'sun ray, shining light' or 'radiant one'. This is one name that is definitely more popular within Scotland than outside of it.
Fergus
Fergus is derived from Scots Gaelic, and means 'masculine' or 'strong'. It's no surprise, then, that it is a popular boys name in Scotland.
Finlay
Finlay is another gender-neutral Scottish name, though is more commonly seen in boys. It has both Scottish and Irish origins, and translates to 'fair-haired hero'.
Hamish
The Scots form of the English name James, Hamish means 'supplanter' or 'representative'. It is a very traditional Scottish name, and not one that you see quite as much these days.
Iona
Iona comes from the tiny island of the same name in the Inner Hebrides. The island holds particular significance in the history of Christianity, and is primarily known for Iona Abbey.
Isla
Like Iona, the name Isla comes from the Inner Hebridean island Isley. It is known for its malt whisky distillation, so don't be surprised if your child ends up enjoying the odd dram later in life.
Keith
Keith is commonly seen as both a surname and a forename, and is Gaelic in origin. It means 'wood' or 'from the battleground'.
Lachlann
This is another traditional name that you are unlikely to find outside of Scotland. Meaning 'warrior from the land of the lochs', it is another that is Scottish Gaelic in origin.
Malcolm
Meaning 'devotee of Saint Columba', Malcolm is one Scots name that has spread far outside of Scotland. From Malcolm X to Malcolm McDowell, there have been many famous men bearing the name over the years.
Morag
You are unlikely to come across many names that sound as quintessentially Scottish as Morag. Its meaning is "great" or "star of the sea".
Sorcha
Another name with both Scottish and Irish Gaelic origins, Sorcha means 'brightness'. It is not as common as it used to be, making it perfect if you are looking for something a bit more unique but still traditional.
Skye
Deriving from the Isle of Skye, Skye is one of the more popular Scottish names. It is gender-neutral, though is more commonly seen in girls.
Stuart
This is a Scottish variant of the name Stewart. It derives from 'steward', meaning official administrator of a household.
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