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Carson

Popular Boy’ s Name Carson

Scotland has had a surge in the popularity of the Carson name. In 2013, the popularity of Carson was voted as one of Scotland’s top boy names (just outside in the 100 in 101st position). Famous people and places with the name Carson include, Johnny Carson the American TV presenter,  the English footballer Scott Carson, the American boxer Carson Jones and not forgetting the place Carson in California.

So you can see that the name Carson is also popular else where in the world both as a first name but also as a surname. In fact, Carson is a great name for females too.  The name Carson originated is unknown.

What Does Carson Mean

The Scottish meaning of Carson is, son of marsh dwellers. Whereas, the English meaning of Carson is, boy born in the swamp. Individuals with the name Carson are relaxed and love quiet time. Most Carson’s go on to be philosophers, scholars, and teachers. You can bring them a problem and they tend to look at the big picture. They can seem aloof, but are quite thoughtful and sincere. Most Carson’s tend to be introverts. Nicknames for the name Carson include, Carr, Case, and Carmichael, to name a few.

Although, the name Carson has various different meanings. Naming your son or daughter Carson can be fun or be presented as class and lineage.

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Balfour

The Scottish Surname Balfour

The Scottish name Balfour was taken from the barony of the same name and is first found in recorded history in 1304. The spelling of the name has undergone some changes through the centuries, a common occurrence with many names from this time period. Alternate spellings include Balfure and Balfoure as well as a dozen others which have been recorded over time.

Meaning of Balfour

The name has several meanings, typically broken down to mean “village”, “pasture” or “field”. The motto of the Balfour clan is Fordward, or forward, and the family crest is of an arm holding a baton. The clan is autonomous with no clan chief at this time.

Popularity

Balfour is not a common 1st name and was not in the top 500 Scottish boys’ names in 2013.

People with the Name

There have been numerous notable people with the Balfour surname over time including actors, clergy and scientists. Arthur Balfour was the prime minister of great Britain from 1902 to 1905. The Balfour Declaration of 1926 was named in honour of him. It declared that each country within the British Empire was independent, yet retained an allegiance to the crown.

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

Reid

Origin of the Name Reid

Reid name is originally from Scotland. It is usually a surname if you are Scottish. There are many Scottish people that has this last name that are well known. There are fictional characters that also uses this name as well. There are also places and things that are named after Reid.

The name Reid is also spelled in sorts of different ways as well. This name is basically been around for a long time and was passed on from generation to generation.

Meaning of Reid

The meaning of Reid was from the word “read” originally back in the day and it is pronounced “red”. It is mainly a surname which eventually became a nickname. It usually describes someone with red hair or has a reddish complexion. In certain ways it also came from known places that has that name.

Popularity

The popularity of Reid became unpopular in 2013 in the United States of America due to the a guy name Harry Reid. He was part of the Obamacare campaign that not a lot of people were in favour of. That is why this name became unpopular at that point in time. All in all the name Reid is still considered one of the most used name in history of Scotland.

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Drummond

Meaning and Origin of Drummond

The Drummond name derives from the Gaelic word “Drumainn” which means “A ridge”. The meaning of Drummond in Scottish is “At the Ridge”, and in Celtic means “Lives on the hill top”.

Popularity

Drummond was ranked 1214 in popularity in 2013. Some of the popularity of Drummond comes from some well known people and places accompanied by the name Drummond.

Famous People And Places Associated With The Name Drummond

John Drummond Allison born in 1921 in Caterham, Surrey was an English war poet of the Second World War. He attended Bishop’s Storford college and Queen’s College in Oxford. Read more about John Drummond Allison at wikipedia.

Drummond Castle is in Perthshire, Scotland. The tower house was built in the 15th centery, mansion in the 17th century, and they both rebuilt in the Victorian times. The Drummond castle is well known for its gardens by Historic Scotland. More information reguarding Drummond Castle at wikipedia.

Dugald Drummond born in 1840 in Ardrossan, Ayrshire Scotland was a locomotive engineer. He worked for companies such as North British Railway, Caledonian, and more. Continue learning about Dugald Drummond at wikipedia.

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Forbes

History of the Name Forbes

The Forbes name has a long and rich history both as a male given name and as a family surname. Starting with the Scottish clan Forbes starting in the mid 1200s, a clan still active today with three family branches to the American financial magazine that bears its name, there are many reasons to choose the name Forbes. Long synonymous with success, it has always been associated with strong heritage and successful entrepreneurs.

Meaning and Origin

Stemming from the Gaelic Forbeis, the meaning of Forbes can be interpreted as “wealthy,” “field” or “district,” “headstrong” or “stubborn.”

Popularity

The popularity of Forbes as a first name has varied, though it was within the 590th most popular boy’s baby names in Scotland as of 2013, making it uncommon but not unusual.

Famous People with the Name

Among the many famous bearers of the name Forbes are: the Forbes family of publishers starting with B. C. Forbes, Edward Forbes the British naturalist, Terrell, Fred and Alex Forbes the footballers (not related), Forbes Burnham the former leader of Guyana from 1964 – 1985, Bryan Forbes the British director, the fictional character Forbes McAllister from Knowing Me, Knowing You… with Alan Partridge, and James Staats Forbes the Scottish art collector, railway engineer and administrator.

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

Hamish

Origin of the Name Hamish

Hamish is a popular Scottish first name with strong Gaelic origins. Derived from the Scottish Gaelic name “Aonghas,” it translates to “single choice” or “one-born.” This name often signifies a unique or special child.

The English version of the Hamish name is James. Hamish is usually a masculine name. While researching the name Hamish there appear to be no feminine versions. The name Hamish has origins in the Scottish Gaelic name of Seamus.

Meaning

The meaning of Hamish is supplanter; representative. Supplanter means the replacer which explains why it can mean representative also.

Popularity

Hamish has enjoyed a surge in popularity in recent decades, particularly in English-speaking countries. Its charming sound and connection to Scottish heritage have made it a popular choice for parents seeking a distinctive name.

The popularity of the boy’s name Hamish was ranked 61st in popularity in Scotland in 2023.

In the United States, the name Hamish is not popular at all and it was not on the list of top 100 names as of the 2000 Census. However, its English version, James, is number 1 out of 1220.

Famous People with the Name

The famous cat Hamish McHamish from St Andrews
The famous cat Hamish McHamish from St Andrews

While there are not that many people named Hamish in today’s world there are a couple famous characters named Hamish:

  • Hamish Alexander in the novel Honorverse by David Weber
  • Hamish Campbell in the movie Braveheart
  • John Hamish Watson (also well known as Dr. Watson) of Sherlock Holmes fame.
  • Hamish McHamish, a cat made famous from the book
  • Hamish Macdonald: A Scottish singer-songwriter known for his traditional Scottish music.
  • Hamish Linklater: An American actor who has appeared in numerous films and television shows.
  • Hamish Ogilvy: A Scottish rugby union player who represented Scotland at the international level.

Summary

Hamish remains a popular and timeless name, often associated with qualities such as warmth, friendliness, and a love of tradition. Its Scottish roots and enduring appeal make it a popular choice for parents looking for a name with a sense of history and character.

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Art

Origin of The Name Art

The Art name is a shortened form of the name Arthur. The meaning of Art is derived from the name Arthur. The name Arthur is of Celtic origin, and was first found in the Latinized form “Artorius” which means noble and courageous. King Arthur is probably the most famous person with the name Arthur. There is great debate as to whether there was an actual King Arthur, or he was a mythological figure. What is clear, however, is that there is great evidence that the name “Artur” was very popular in Southern Scotland and Northern England in the 7th and 8th centuries.

This seems to point to the fact that there was at least someone famous in that region with that name. The Art name means rock or strong as a bear.

Popularity

The popularity of Art has been slow to grow. Art was not in the 100 most popular boy’s names for 2013 in Scotland.

Famous People Called Art

Famous people with the name Art include: Art Garfunkel (American musician), Art Linkletter (American TV and radio personality), Art Carney (American actor), Art Buchwald (American journalist), Art Ross (Canadian hockey player) and Art Houtteman (American baseball player).

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Stuart

The name Stuart is steeped in history and tradition in Scottish culture. This name carries a sense of nobility and responsibility, reflecting its origins and the notable figures who have borne it.

Meaning

The Stuart name has a great meaning. The meaning of Stuart comes from the word steward. This name was brought over to Scotland in the 16th century when Mary Stuart was from France.

The name Stuart is derived from the Old English words “stig” (meaning “house”) and “weard” (meaning “guardian”). Therefore, Stuart was used as the name of the official administrator of a household.

Stuart means the guardian or administrator of the household.
Stuart means the guardian or administrator of the household.

This name gives an individual a great sense of leadership and responsibility. Stuart isn’t only a great name for those in Scotland, but it is a great name for those all around the world as well. It will be interesting to see what happens to the popularity of Stuart over the next few decades.

Popularity of Stuart

Stuart has enjoyed varying levels of popularity over the centuries. It was particularly popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries, often associated with the royal House of Stuart, which ruled Scotland and later Britain from the late 14th to the early 18th century

Stuart is a very popular name all over the world, but it is very popular in Scotland. This is the country where it is most popular of all. It was the 242nd most popular boys’ name in Scotland in 2023 (Scottish Government Data).

Famous People Called Stuart

There are many famous Scots that have the name Stuart. One of the most popular characters on cartoon television is Stewie from the hit show Family Guy. There are many pro footballers, cricket players, and entertainers in Scotland with names as well. Several notable individuals have carried the name Stuart, contributing to various fields such as arts, sports, and politics. Some of the most famous people named Stuart include:

  • Stuart Adamson: The Scottish guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter who co-founded the rock band Big Country.
  • Stuart Broad: The English cricketer known for his impressive career with the England cricket team.
  • Stuart Sutcliffe: The original bass guitarist for The Beatles, who left the band to pursue an art career.
  • Stuart Townsend: The Irish actor and director is known for his roles in films such as “Queen of the Damned” and “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen”.

Stuart Varney: The British-American economic journalist and television commentator.

Why choose the name?

The name Stuart evokes a sense of leadership, responsibility, and tradition. It is a name that has been associated with nobility and governance, reflecting its historical significance. The name carries with it a legacy of service and duty, making it a meaningful choice for parents seeking a name with depth and history.

In conclusion, the name Stuart is more than just a name; it is a reflection of Scottish heritage and history. Its origins, meaning, and the notable individuals who have borne it all contribute to its enduring appeal.

Useful Resources

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

Evan

Popularity of the Celtic Name Evan

The name Evan is a very popular name Scotland. The popularity of Evan is currently ranked ninety-six of all baby boy’s names in Scotland. The name Evan has fluctuated in popularity in the UK over the last century. In 1870 the name was 47th most popular name in the UK, and it dropped down to the 96th place in 1914 and now it is 98th in England but its even more popular in Wales in 2013 in 38th position.

Meaning of Evan

The meaning of Evan translates to “God is gracious”. The Evan name is similar to such names as Ian, Ivan, and John, which all have similar meanings in their respected languages. The meaning of Evan first appeared in Wales with it being derived from the name Lefen. The spelling and translation slowly changed over time as it travelled throughout the rest of the Britannia.

Famous People with the Names

The Evan name is associated with a number of very famous persons. Evan Davis is the English journalist and economist who appears as a presenter on the BBC’s ‘Dragons’ Den’. Evan Peters is an American film and television actor who appeared in the film X-Men: Days of Future Past. Evan Thomas is an American journals and author who teaches at Princeton University.

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

Sinclair

Article on the name Sinclair

The Sinclair name is a Scottish surname which originally came from the Clan Sincliar. The clan’s leader, William the Conqueror lead his clan to conqueror both England and Scotland. which lead to them owning the Land of Roslin, which is also known as nthe King of Scots.

The name Sincliar shares both Scottish and French origins and has been stylized with many derivations from the names “de Saint-Clair, Santoclair, de St. Clair and Synklar”.
The meaning of Sinclair means clear pool or clear well.

The name Sinclair also has 3 variant versions, such as Sinclare, Synclair and Sinclaire.
Since the name Sinclair is mostly used as a baby name for boys, the popularity of Sinclair is not a popular first name for boys, but it is a very popular surnames and has been since the year 2000 ranking in at 1107 on the popular surname list.

People Called Sinclair

There are also several famous and well-known people who share this same name:
Alice Sinclair, a supermodel, Rebecca Sinclair, Olympic Snowboarder, Alex Sinclair, comic book illustrator, Rosemary Sinclair, fictional character. Adam Sinclair, an MTV socialite and Sincliar Lewis, a US Novelist.

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Duncan

Meaning and Origin of the Name Duncan

The meaning of Duncan comes from Germanic roots, and the name first came to Scotland during the Germanic conquests. There are a couple of alternate forms of the name Duncan including Donnchad and Donnchadh. The name is also used in Ireland with the spelling Donagh. The meaning of Duncan is “Brown Warrior”. This comes from the Germanic roots of “Donn”, which means brown. The work “Cath” means warrior.

Popularity

The Duncan name is a popular Scottish name that was ranked as the 177 most popular boy’s name in 2013. The popularity of Duncan has increased in the past several years, and the name has remained popular over the course of several years.

Famous Duncans

There are a number of very famous persons who were named Duncan. The first famous use of the name Duncan was used in Shakespeare’s play Macbeth. The name is associated with Scottish royalty with Duncan the First making the first appearance, and his child Duncan the Second continuing the name. There is also the Scottish philanthropist and author named Duncan Bannatyne.

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Shaw

Popularity and Origin of the Name Shaw

The Shaw name has been in use since the Middle Ages in Europe. Currently, the popularity of Shaw as a given name is increasing. At one time, Shaw was used only as a surname. In 2013, the name appeared in a list of the top 1000 Scottish baby names.

Meaning of the Name

The meaning of Shaw relates to topography and is a variation of the Middle English name Shawe. A shawe, at that time, was a person who lived next to the woods or near a thicket. In Gaelic, the name is sometimes translated to mean “Wolf”. As early as the 17th Century, the name Shaw was used in Ireland as a family surname; it had been used as a clan name in Scotland since the 12th century. Eventually, the use of the name spread to other areas including England.

Famous People with the Name

Famous people with the Shaw name include George Bernard Shaw and Luke Shaw. In Scotland, the Shaw Clan is a Scottish Highland Clan which has been in existence since the 1300’s. This family clan was founded by Shaw McDuff.

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See other Scottish names on our website like Shaw.

Ian

Origin of the Name Ian

The name Ian is a popular and timeless name of Scottish origin. Derived from the Gaelic name Iain, which itself is a form of the English name John, Ian carries a rich history and a powerful meaning. The name John comes from the Hebrew name Yohanan, meaning “God is gracious” or “gift from God”.

Ian means 'gift from God'
Ian means ‘gift from God’

The name is pronounced EE-an, however, some people choose to pronounce it Eye-an. Ian originated in Scotland and was derived from Eoin, the Gaelic form of John. By the 19th century, Eoin had evolved into Iain and then became Ian by the end of the century.

Meaning of Ian

Ian is the Scottish and Gaelic form of John, which means God’s Gift. During medieval times, Eion was derived from the Latin Johannes.

History

The name Ian has been a staple in Scotland for centuries. It gained popularity in other English-speaking countries during the 20th century, particularly in the United States, where it has been a top 100 name since the 1980s. The name’s appeal lies in its strong yet sweet sound, as well as its easy spelling and pronunciation.

Popularity of Ian

One in five boys was named Ian in the Middle Ages. Ian first became popular with the success of writer Ian Fleming who created James Bond back in 1953 as the hero in Casino Royale. James Bond was featured in 12 novels and several short stories before Ian Fleming’s sudden death in 1964. Ian reached its popularity peak in the 1960s and gradually slipped out of the top 100 most popular names by the end of the 20th century. It was not in the top 100 male baby names in Scotland in 2023.

Popularity of Ian in Scotland
The popularity of Ian in Scotland (https://scotland.shinyapps.io/nrs-baby-names/)

People Named Ian

Many notable individuals bear the name Ian, contributing to various fields such as sports, music, and academia. Some famous Ians include:

  • Ian Anderson, the lead vocalist and flutist of the rock band Jethro Tull
  • Ian Botham, a legendary English cricketer
  • Ian McKellen, a renowned British actor known for his roles in “The Lord of the Rings” and “X-Men” series
  • Ian Fleming, the author of the James Bond series
  • Ian Charleson (1949-1990) was best known for playing Eric Liddel in Chariots of Fire.
  • Ian Paisley was born in Paisley Scotland; he was a lawyer in the 1950s.
  • Ian Rush the Welsh and Liverpool striker.

Why choose the name?

Today, Ian remains a popular choice for parents seeking a name that is both classic and meaningful. Its message of grace and generosity continues to inspire those who bear it, making it a name that stands the test of time.

Useful Resources

  • See other Gaelic male names like Ian on our website.

Gilroy

Meaning of the name

The name Gilroy has deep roots in Scottish and Irish heritage, carrying with it a rich history and a unique meaning.

This surname is an Anglicised form of the Gaelic “Mac Giolla Ruaidh”, which translates to “son of the red-haired youth”. The name is composed of the elements “Mac” (son of), “giolla” (servant or youth), and “ruaidh” (red-haired).

Gilroy means son of the red-haired youth
Gilroy means son of the red-haired youth

The Gilroy name is more common as a surname than as a given name. As a surname, Gilroy took on many forms, including, Mac Elroy, Mac Elree, and Mac Alroy. The first spelling of Gilroy, Michael M’ Gilrey, was recorded in the Ancient Charters of Earldom of Morton in 1376. King Robert who ruled Scotland at that time (1371-1390). As a given name, Gilroy is derived from Gilmore.

Origin

The name Gilroy originated in Scotland and Northern Ireland, with its earliest recorded spelling dating back to 13761. It was first found in County Clare, Ireland, and later spread to Scotland. The name signifies a lineage of red-haired individuals, likely indicating a distinguishing characteristic of the family’s patriarch.

Popularity of Gilroy

While not a common first name in Scotland, Gilroy has not been in the top 100 baby boys’ names since 1935 (Scottish government figures).

As a first name, Gilroy ranks 39,032 in popularity in the USA and is rarely used as a first name. It isn’t easy to find someone with the first name of Gilroy.

Famous people called Gilroy

The name Gilroy has been associated with several notable individuals across various fields, unfortunately, there are no famous Gilroys with the first name:

  • Joe Gilroy is a famous football striker from Scotland.
  • Paul Gilroy is employed as an English professor at Kings College in London, England.
  • Bert Gilroy (1899-1973) was an American film producer known for his contributions to the film industry
  • Craig Gilroy (born 1991) is an Irish rugby union player who has made a name for himself in sports
  • Tony Gilroy (born 1956) is an American screenwriter and filmmaker, best known for his work on the “Bourne” series

Why choose this name?

The name Gilroy carries with it a sense of heritage and identity. It reflects the cultural and historical ties to Scotland and Ireland, and its meaning of “red-haired youth” adds a personal touch, connecting individuals to their ancestral roots.

In conclusion, the name Gilroy is more than just a surname; it is a link to the past, a marker of identity, and a testament to the enduring legacy of Scottish and Irish heritage. Whether through its historical significance, its unique meaning, or the notable individuals who bear it, Gilroy remains a name that stands out in the tapestry of surnames.

Useful Resources

  • Discover other Scottish boys’ names like Gilroy on our website.

Gillies

Meaning and Origin of the Name Gillies

The name Gillies is steeped in Scottish history and tradition, representing a unique and meaningful part of Scottish culture. The name Gillies is derived from the Gaelic “Mac Gille Iosa”, which translates to “son of the servant of Jesus”. This name was traditionally used to signify those who were followers or servants of early Christian leaders.

Gillies means son of the servant of Jesus
Gillies means son of the servant of Jesus

History of the Gillies

“Gille Iossa” was originally the name of a medieval Scottish chief who was also known as Malise mac Gilleain (1235-1300), who was the head of what would become the Maclean clan. His name has been variously rendered as Gille-Iosa, Maulis, Maolisa, mhaoilisa, Maoiliosa, and Gillise MacGillean. Both “Maol” and “Gille” mean “servant of” in Scots Gaelic, while “Iosa” means “Jesus.” “Malise” is an Anglicized version of Mac Gilleain’s first name.

Malise assumed leadership of the clan in 1263 when the Scottish-Norwegian War was at its height. He and his clan fought under the command of the Scottish king, Alexander III. At the Battle of Largs, his leadership and bravery so impressed his foes that the Icelandic historian Sturla Þórðarson wrote about him in his account of King Haakon Haakonson, which he finished in the late 1260s.

Popularity of the Name

Gillies is not as common as some other Scottish names, but it holds a special place in Scottish heritage. Historically, it was used as a surname, and its use as a given name has become less frequent over time. However, those who bear the name Gillies carry with them a sense of historical and cultural significance.

The popularity of Gillies as a first name is low, but it is a relatively common surname or last name. In 2023, Gillies was not in the top 100 baby boys names in Scotland.

Variations

Gillies has five variant forms: Ghilles, Ghillies, Gilles, Gillis, and Gilliss.

Famous people called Gilles

Although the name Gillies is rare, it has been carried by several notable individuals. For instance:

  • Gillies MacKinnon, a renowned Scottish film director known for his work on films like “Regeneration” and “Hideous Kinky”.
  • Edwin A. Gillies, a notable Canadian politician who served as a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

Why choose the name?

The name Gillies reflects the deeply rooted religious and cultural history of Scotland. It is a name that signifies devotion, faith, and a connection to one’s heritage. While it may not be widely used today, the name carries with it a strong sense of identity and pride.

In conclusion, the name Gillies is more than just a name; it is a symbol of Scottish history and tradition. Its unique meaning and historical significance make it a distinctive and meaningful choice for those looking to connect with their Scottish roots.

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