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Ninian

The Popularity and History of Ninian as a name

When a new baby is being expected, the parents will spend a lot of time pondering over what to name him or her when they are born. There are many names that have become popular or are trendy like Cameron or Beckham. However, one name for a boy that is beginning to thrive in popularity is the name Ninian.

Meaning of Ninian

The meaning of Ninian is unknown. However, it’s origin is Celtic, Scottish and Irish. It has also had a Latin form of Niniavus and is very similar to the Welsh Nynniaw.

Popularity of the Name

Ninian was not in the 100 most popular popular baby boys’s name in Scotland in 2014 (latest stats from the Scottish Government).

Famous People with the Name

The most famous was St. Ninian of Galloway who was a Bishop and a missionary to Scotland. He is known to be the first major preacher of the Gospel for those who lived in Britain north of the Wall, which is what Scotland was called back in that day. He was also known to be responsible for many miracles and cures. Therefore, it has a very marvellous and spiritual history name Ninian.

Another famous Ninian was Ninian Edwards a Senator from the state of Illinois.

Useful Resources

Discover the meaning and popularity of other Scottish boys’ names

Hector

Hector Meaning and Origin

The meaning of Hector comes from many sources. The name Hector comes from Scottish, French, English and Spanish origins. It may have been derived from Hektor, a Trojan Prince that was killed by Achilles during the Trojan War.

Another derivation may be from ekhein a Greek word that means to restrain It may also be derived from the name Eachann, which means keeper of horses and is pronounced AK-an, with Hector being the English translation of the name.

Another source of the name might be from Arthurian Character Sir Ector, King Arthur’s foster father who Merlin gave Arthur to when he took the baby from Uther Pendragon and Igraine of Cornwall.

Popularity

In 2014, the popularity of Hector was ranked as the 245th most popular name in Scotland. While it is not at the top it is still a popular name.

Famous People called Hector

Some important Scottish People named Hector include Hector C. Macpherson a writer who penned articles on non-fiction subjects such as history and politics, Hector Waller Australian naval captain of the HMS Perth and fought at battle of Sunda Strait, and Hector Berlioz who was a French composer that wrote Symphonie Fantastique and Grande Messe des morts.

Useful Resources

See our complete list of Scottish boys’ names on our website.

Aengus

Origin and meaning of the name

The name Aengus is steeped in Irish and Scottish mythology and history, bearing a distinctive and powerful meaning. Derived from the Old Irish name “Óengus”, Aengus translates to “one strength” or “unique strength”. The name evokes a sense of power, individuality, and mythological resonance.

The Aengus name has a lot of history behind it. The name originated in Scotland back in 1296, and there are several variations to the spelling of the name. For example, it is sometimes spelled as Anguish, Angos or English.

Aengus means 'exceptional strength'
Aengus means ‘exceptional strength’

The meaning of Aengus is “exceptional strength” and it is based on the God of love, who is often described as having several birds flying around his head as a symbol of the love he inspires in others.

The Angus family was involved in the great migration, during which many Scots fled to Australia and America to avoid persecution. Traveling across the Atlantic proved challenging, and not everyone survived.

Popularity of Aengus

While Aengus is not a widely common name, it holds a special place in Irish and Scottish heritage. Its mythological connections and strong meaning make it an appealing choice for parents looking for a name with depth and historical significance. In recent years, the name has seen a resurgence in popularity, especially among those who appreciate its cultural richness.

The name Aengus reached the height of its popularity in the 1800s, after which it took a steep decline. Today, the name is not even listed as one of the top 100 baby names in Scotland.

Famous People Bearing the Name

Though rare, several notable individuals have borne the name Aengus, contributing to its recognition and prestige. Some of these include:

  • Aengus Mac Grianna, is an Irish journalist and newsreader known for his work with RTÉ News.
  • Aengus Fanning, a prominent Irish journalist and editor who made significant contributions to Irish media.
  • Angus Young – Guitarist
  • Angus Macfadyen – Actor
  • Angus Deayton – Game Show Host

Useful Resources

Discover the meaning and popularity of other Scottish names on this website

Naughton

Meaning and History of the name Naughton

The name Naughton is derived from the Gaelic “MacNeachtain”, which translates to “son of Neachtan”. Neachtan is an ancient Gaelic name that means “pure” or “clear”. This name is reflective of the traditional Gaelic naming conventions, where names often held descriptive meanings linked to the characteristics or roles of individuals.

Naughton is a name that means pure or clear.
Naughton is a name that means pure or clear.

Popularity

The Scottish name Naughton did not appear in the Scottish boys’ top 100 names chart.

However, the original meaning of Naughton comes from the old Irish and is originally Gaelic. The name Naughton states that the child is a descendant of Nechtan. This was an old Irish clan that was alive and well in the 1300’s. In the early 1600s, the name arrived in Scotland and meant pure. This meaning comes from the idea that boys named this were of pure blood.

The popularity of Naughton can be seen throughout the new world having multiple cities named after it. There is a Naughton, Ontario; Naughton, Suffolk, and even a Naughton park in England.

Famous people with the name

Several notable individuals have borne the name Naughton, contributing to its recognition and prestige. Some of these include:

  • David Naughton, is an American actor and singer known for his roles in “An American Werewolf in London” and the television series “Makin’ It”.
  • Michael Naughton, a prominent British academic and writer focused on wrongful convictions and miscarriages of justice.

The Name Today

Most of the people who have the name in today’s day and age have it as their last name rather than their first. A few of the more notable Naughtons are Kyle Naughton an English footballer who plays for Swansea City, turn of the century playwright Bill Naughton, and popular American actor David Naughton known for his starring role in The American Werewolf in London. Naughton being used as a first name has all but disappeared in the modern naming of boys.

Useful Resources

Check out the meaning and origin of other Scottish boys’ names.

Gus

The Meaning of the Name Gus

The name Gus is a diminutive of the Latin Augustus and predominately associated as a boy’s name. The meaning of Gus is mostly derived from the Latin base which carries the meaning “worthy of respect.” The meaning of Gus can also include “majestic.”

Though generally a nickname, the name Gus is at times given independently. It is also a shortened version of a variety of names including the popular Scottish names Angus and Fergus. Based on Scottish birth statistics from 2013, Angus ranked 85th while Fergus ranked 120th. The name Gus is considered fairly uncommon from a global perspective, though some variants such as Gustav maintain a level of popularity in some countries.

The popularity of Gus as a name depends greatly on which name variant is in use. Some versions such as August and Augustus have tended to be on the rise. Angus has remained fairly stable when it comes to its popularity in Scotland.

Famous People Called Gus

Famous persons with the name include Gus Grissom, Gus Poyet, and Baron Gus O’Donnell.

Another Interesting Fact

Though it would be considered quite rare, Gus at times is used as a girl’s name, normally as a shortened version of the name Augustine

Useful Resources

  • Discover the meaning and popularity of other male names on this website

Richie

Richie – Origin and Meaning of the Name

The name Richie (pronounced ri-chie) originated during the 9th Century and came from the famous religious figure Alrich who was in his own time better known as Aldric of Le Mans. He was a high ranking bishop in the Roman Catholic church in Le Mans France (a region bordering the Sarthe River) serving under the reign of Louis the Pious and Charlemagne.

The name also comes from the Old German name Richard (originally pronounced Ri-card).

The meaning of Richie is usually translated as Powerful Leader or Old and Powerful Leader. In either variant it is a very positive and masculine name.

Popularity

Richie was the 490th most popular baby boys’s name in Scotland in 2013 (latest stats from the  Scottish government)

In the United States of America the name Richie (as well as it’s variants such as Rick, Richard, Dick and so on) is a very popular first name for males ranking in many polls just below the top 1000 most popular names mark.

In the USA during the 60s the popularity of Richie reached it’s zenith with the name being polled as the 633nd most popular male first name in the country.

Famous People Bearing the Name

  • Richie McCaw – the New Zealand rugby international and captain
  • Richey Edwards – the Welsh Musician from the band Manic Street Preachers
  • Richie Sambora – American rock guitarist from the band Bon Jovi

Stewart

Meaning and Origin of the Name Stewart

The Scottish baby name Stewart, has gained popularity according to Scotland’s 2013 statistics (in 336th position for baby boys names). The meaning of Stewart derives from the midlevel position of Steward in a castle. Historically, Stewarts were placed with the responsibility of caring for the estate. Naturally the popularity of Stewart as a name for first born males has long been established. The symbolism of the meaning of Stewart correlates well with future heirs of the families.

History of the Name

Taking a closer look at the royal name, one can see the history rich meaning of Stewart. The Gaelic form of the Highland Scottish name is a derivative of the “Clan Stewart.” This historical group were once monarchs in Scotland. Later, the Clan Stewart became an armigerous clan, or a group that does not have a position of chief among clan members. Yet another reason to name your little one Stewart, for the fundamental democratic history it represents. Starting as members of nobility from a France family, the Stewarts established land-holds in England. Eventually the Clan Stewarts left Scotland for England when David I claimed their throne. Still owners of many castles, over time the name Stewart progressed into the medieval position of caretaking that it is known for today.

Variations of the Name

Stuart is a common variation of the name.

Useful Resources

Discover the meaning and popularity of other Scottish names on our website.

Dougal

Meaning and Origin of the Name Dougal

Dougal it isn’t a very a common name that often can give people trouble when trying to find out what it means. The actual meaning of Dougal is dark stranger and the heritage is Celtic.

The name originate from the Gaelic names Dubhghall, or Dùghall.

Popularity of Dougal

The popularity of Dougal varies depending on where you are in the world as it was very popular in places like Scotland for a period of time but in the United States you hear that name very rarely if at all. In 2014, it was the 680th most popular boys’ name in Scotland.

Famous People with the Name

However there are many people with the name Dougal that have made a name for themselves such as Jimmy Dougal a Scottish international footballer who played as a striker and Dougal Hastings a mountaineer who was born in Edinburgh.

Dougal McGuire was a fictional young and innocent priest in the popular TV series Father Ted played by Ardal O’Hanlon. Another famous Dougal was Dougal the dog from the childrens animation “The Magic Roundabout”

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Creighton

Origin of Creighton

The name Creighton is one that most definitely gets its origin from Scotland though today sees it more as a popular name in Northern Ireland. The Creighton name is one that is believed to originated from the town of Crichton which is near Edinburgh. It is here where the name is first to have been written as Crectune and was first seen and recorded in 1128. It was seen about 160 years later as Crecton.

As a surname, the name Creighton is certainly a revered one in the border area of Scotland and England and has been known to produce many notable person’s in the history of the United Kingdom and throughout the world.

Meaning of the Name Creighton

The meaning of Creighton has been researched as coming from the Old Welsh word of creic or rock and then the Old Scots word of tun which means farm.

Popularity

This name was not in the top 1000 baby boys’ names in Scotland in 2014. However, Creighton is more commonly found in Northern Ireland, where in today’s Scotland the variation of the name is usually Crichton or sometimes seen as Crighton.

Useful Resources

Discover the meaning and popularity of other boys’ names on our website.

Jock

Meaning and Origin of the Scottish Name Jock

In Scotland, the name Jock is one that is among the most loved boys’ names. The name  Jock is a form of the name John.

The exact meaning of Jock is ‘god is gracious’. Scots have been known to use the surname as one that describes a person who is very athletic and is heavily involved in sports. Jock is also known as being a slang term that people used to describe a Scottish soldier as well.

Alternate forms of the name Jock is Jockie or Jockey.

Popularity of Jock

The name Jock was the 680th most popular boy’s name in Scotland in 2014 according to figures released by the Scottish Government.

Famous People with the Name

The popularity of Jock as a name in Scotland is certainly one that can be tied to some of the famous people who have that as their name. Some famous Scottish men and others from the United Kingdom who have the name are the Open Championship and PGA Championship winning golfer Jock Hutchison, the Australian cricket player who played most of his career in England in Jock Livingston, and the cartoon illustrator Mark Simpson who goes by the one name moniker of Jock.

Other famous sporting starts are included below:
  • Jock Stein, was a Scottish football player and manager. He played for the football team Celtic and Llanelli Town.
  • Jock Cameron was a South African cricket player, who in his day was one of the best wicket keepers in the world

Useful Resources

  • Learn about other names like Jock on this website

Gillespie

Meaning and Origin of Gillespie

Gillespie is a masculine first name and more commonly these days it is found as a surname. The name is an inspired form of the Gaelic Gille Easbaig which means “bishops’s servant”. The name is also of Scottish and Irish origin and holds the meaning of “servant of the bishop”.

Popularity of the Name Gillespie

Gillespie is not a frequently found name amongst the younger generations in Scotland or Ireland however it is more popular amongst the older generations.

Famous People with the Surname Name

One of the people is Gary Thompson Gillespie. He was born on the 5th of July in the year of 1960. In his prime he was a professional Scottish football defender and played for Liverpool in the 1980’s.

Another famous person with this name is Robert “Bobby” Gillespie. He was also born in June, like Gary, only in 1962. He held the lead singer position in a rock band named Primal Scream. In the middle years of the 1980’s he was a drummer for The Jesus and Mary Chain. He is a Scottish singer and song writer and continues to thrive today. His genres of music are plenty involving, alternative rock, post-punk, indie pop, acid house, dance rock and psychedelic rock.

Useful Resources

  • There are plenty of more Scottish boys’ names on our website see them here.

Fulton

Meaning and Origin of the Name Fulton

The Fulton name dates back centuries in Europe. The meaning of Fulton is locational, with the Scottish clan by that name from either Fullerton near Ayr or from Foulertoun near Forfar. There are several variations, such as Fullerton, that appear in medieval manuscripts dating back to 1260.

Famous People with the Name

Not only is this name historical, but it has also been associated with many famous individuals. Fulton Sheen was an American Archbishop who was well known for his sermons rich in both theology and philosophy on television and the radio. In 2002 Sheen’s cause for canonization was opened and he is currently on the path towards sainthood.

Another man booting the popularity of Fulton is Robert Fulton. He was an American engineer responsible for innovating the steamboat and running a successful line in New York state. In America, when you see a town, street or building carrying the Fulton name they are often named after this man.#j-

Currently in Scotland Jay Fulton is continuing to build the popularity of Fulton. Jay is a professional footballer playing for Swansea City from a family of footballers including brothers Dale and Tyler Fulton, father Steve Fulton and grandfather Norrie Fulton.

Useful Resources

Checkout the meaning and popularity of other Scottish boys’ names on our website.

Archibald

Meaning of the Name Archibald

The meaning of Archibald is genuine and bold. If you want a name that will give a Scottish boy confidence, assertiveness and originality, Archibald represents these things. His genuine personality will help him master social situations.

The meaning of Archibald is what makes this Scottish name so appealing. The Archibald name stands for strength and standing up for what you believe in. It is a stoic name that is fitting for any family. It is a name that can be passed down from generation to generation.

Popularity of the Name

If you are looking for a name to give a Scottish boy, consider the Archibald name. The popularity of Archibald is gaining in Scotland. In 2013 Archibald was the 335th most common name in Scotland.

Famous People with the Name

The popularity of Archibald may have originated in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Archibald Hood was a Scottish engineer who became well known during the industrial revolution. He was well respected and admired by all. A modern or a shortened version of the name Archibald is Archie.

Useful Resources

Checkout the meaning and popularity of other Scottish male names on our website

Seumas

Meaning and Origin of Seumas

The Seumas name is a Scottish male name with Gaelic origins. The meaning of Seumas is the boys name James. There are Apparently several well known Irishmen with the name Seumas. The name is actually pronounced Hey-Muss. Therefore, the pronunciation of the name Seumas and the way in which it is pronounced vary significantly.

Popularity of Seumas

The popularity of Seumas has increased over the years and it was the 434 most popular baby boy’s name in Scotland in 2013.

Variation of the Name

There are other ways in which the name Seumas can be spelled. For example Shumas is also pronounced Shey-Muss. However, this particular spelling of the name is supposed to be that of Yiddish origin.

Famous People of the Name

One in particular was a Nobel prize poet named Seumas Heaney. Heaney was a popular Nobel prize poet that was recognized for his work back in 1995. Seamas Heaney was awarded the prize for his extraordinary writings and in depth work regarding beauty, miracles as well as the living past.

Some famous men who bear the name of Seumas include the football player Seumas Coleman and Seumas Devar is a well known actor that started his career back in the late 1970‘s.

Famous People of the Name

  • Discover the meaning and popularity of other boys’ names on our website

Kenneth

Meaning and Origin of the Name Kenneth

The Kenneth name is an old one. It is the Anglicized form of the Gaelic names Coinneach and Cináed , and it dates back to at least the 9th century. Kenneth (Cináed) mac Alpin, who was the king of the Scots in the 9th century, was known for uniting the Scots and Picts. The name didn’t start getting used outside of Scotland until the 19th century. In 1825, Sir Walter Scott wrote the novel The Talsiman, and he named his hero Kenneth, which made the name popular with non-Scots.

The meaning of Kenneth varies, given its origins. Coinneach comes from a Gaelic word for “handsome,” while Cináed means “born of fire.”

Variants of the Name Kenneth

Kenneth has several variants. Diminutive forms of the name include Ken and Kenny. Feminine versions of the name include Kendra, Kenna, and Kenina. In Scandinavian countries, the name is spelled “Kennet.”

Popularity

Kenneth was the 274th most popular popular baby boys’s name in Scotland in 2013.

The popularity of Kenneth is declining in the United States. It was quite popular from the 1940s through the 60s, but has since fallen out of favour somewhat. It is the 187th most popular boy’s name in the U.S.

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