All posts by da_root

Blair

Origin of the name Blair

Pronounced blare, the boy’s name Blair is originally born of a Scottish and Gaelic surname. It was given regionally in areas named with the Gaelic, “blàr,” meaning “plain, or field,” generally of south-central Scotland.

Meaning

The meaning of the name Blair is multifaceted. The Gaelic translation is, “child of the fields,” which adds emphasis on the regional use, conversely, the Scottish translation is “Peat moss.”

Popularity

In 2012, Blair name popularity rose to 70th in Scotland. For many, because of the origins rooted in the physical features of the landscape, the name embodies the hard working nature required to live and work the fields; to be strong and capable. In regions without much wooded area, peat moss is used for cooking and heating and has been a staple of the culture; suggesting the holder of the name embodies the land.

Famous People called Blair

The name Blair is known to the public as a surname by many figures including former Prime Minister Tony Blair and Olympic speed skater Bonnie Blair. As a first name it is known, among others, by American philanthropist Blair Hull and Australian actor Blair McDonough.

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Drew

Origins of Drew

Drew is a name that has a strong association with Scotland however, the Drew name was a surname of Welsh origin; however, the Drew name has become increasingly popular as a given name. Initially used as a short form of Andrew, a name of Greek origin meaning manly, Drew as an independent name grew in popularity throughout the twentieth century and into the twenty-first century.

Meaning of Drew

In Anglo-Saxon, English and Welsh, the meaning of Drew is wise, drawing its meaning from the original surname; however, in Scottish, the meaning of Drew is manly, drawing its meaning from the Greek Andrew. Andrew has long been a popular Scottish name in honour of St. Andrew, the Patron Saint of Scotland.

Traits

People named Drew tend to be highly imaginative, intuitive, idealistic, and spiritual. They possess a deep inner desire for a stable, loving family, are visionary and often inspire others.

Popularity of Drew

The name Drew was the 301st most popular baby boy’s name in Scotland in 2012 (Scottish Government Statistics).

Famous People

Famous people named Drew include Scottish professional wrestler Drew Galloway, American quarterback Drew Brees, Canadian actor/singer-songwriter Drew Seeley, and American actor/comedian Drew Carey.

Variations

Variations of the name Drew include Dru and Drue.

Useful Resources

Our extensive list of Scottish boys names.

Euan

Meaning and Origin of Euan

The Euan name is one of the most popular boy’s name in Scotland, and also in other Gaelic languages such as Irish. The meaning of Euan has the appropriate meaning of ‘born of the yew’ and is a variant of the name John (from Eoghan).

Pronunciation

The name Euan name is divided into two parts when learning to say the Euan pronunciation. The first two letters Eu is pronounced with the ew sound, and some people will spell it Ewan, but most people like the Eu spelling much better. The name can also be spelt Ewen, Euen, Ewhen, and the Irish spelling is Eogan, and the Eo is pronounced yew as in the name of the tree. The Welsh spelling of the name is Iwan.

Since there is not a definite way in which the name Euan is pronounced it would be best to pronounce the name in the way people within the country of where you live pronounce the name Euan. It also depends on how the name is pronounced as to how the name is spelt. Whether there is an, e, a, h or a w, and where those letters are placed within the name will also make a difference in how the name is pronounced.

Famous People Called Euan

  • Euan Blair – the son of Cherie and Tony Blair the former British Priminister.
  • Euan MacKie – a famous Scottish archaeologist.
  • Euan Morton – a Scottish singer and actor.
  • Euan Murray – former Scottish rugby player.

Popularity

Euan is a popular name in and it was the 112th most popular baby boy’s name in Scotland in 2017 (Scottish Government Information).

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Innes

Meaning and Origin of Innes

The male given name Innes is an Anglicization of the Scottish Gaelic name Aonghas (or Angus); therefore the origin of Innes is Scotland itself. It is the name of an island (the Gaelic word meaning island) and can mean “from Innes,” “from the river island” or “one choice.” It became a Scottish surname and clan name originating from 1160 (whose motto is: Be Traist from the Gaelic meaning Be Faithful) before being used as a first name and unusually enough it can also be used as a female first name as well.

The popularity of the Name

Currently, the popularity of Innes places it at the 89th most popular boy’s name in Scotland according to the Scottish Government Statistics of 2017.

Famous People

Dr Innes McCartney
Dr Innes McCartney

Some famous bearers of the name Innes are: Innes Ireland the formula one racer, Dr. Innes J. McCartney the nautical archaeologist and for those astronomically minded it is also the name of a crater on the Moon and an asteroid named after the Scottish-South African astronomer Robert T. A. Innes.

Variations of the Name

Some nicknames and variations are: Ennis, Iniss, Inness, Innis, and Inniss.

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Scott

Meaning of Scott

Though today many people have Scott as their given name, Scott was originally a Scottish surname. It is a derivation of the Latin Scoti, which was a term for those who spoke Gaelic. For this reason it emerged as one of the original surnames of those inhabiting modern-day Scotland during the time of the Roman Empire.

Popularity of Scott

The name of Scott is was the 67th most popular baby boy’s name in Scotland in 2012 (Scottish Goverment Statistics).

Famous People

Scott is such a common name that there is a very long list of people with either its given or surname form. One great example from popular fiction is Montgomery Scott or “Scotty” from the TV show Star Trek. Bon Scott, with Scott as a surname, was the first lead singer for the band AC/DC. In American history, there is also the famous “Dred Scott Decision” which involved an American slave by the name of Dred Scott. Scott Disick, Scott Mills, and Scott Sinclair are all examples of the use of Scott as a given name.

Variations

Those with the name of Scott will also sometimes adopt nickname versions of their name such as Scotto and Scotty. Occasionally you will also see the name Scott spelled “Scot”.

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Fraser

Meaning and Origin

The origin of the name Fraser is not entirely known, and while it doesn’t directly translate into anything, some suggested meanings are: curly hair, forest men and even strawberry.

While the origin is unknown, the feelings that the name evokes are that of strength (of body and character), as well as a respected humbleness. The baby name Fraser is a name that is well suited for a rugged little boy that enjoys the outdoors. Fraser is also a good choice for parents elsewhere in the world that are looking for a more unique name because it is less popular in other regions.

Popularity

While Americans may know the name Fraser from the hit TV show with the same name, Scots know it as a popular baby name for boys.

In fact, in 2017 it was the 73rd most popular baby boys’ names in Scotland, making it just as popular today as it was dating back to the Clan Fraser.

Famous People Called Fraser

The Scottish footballer Fraser Forster
The Scottish footballer Fraser Forster

The most popular Fraser in Scotland now is Fraser Forster, a goalkeeper for Celtic in the Scottish Premiership club. His athleticism embodies what the name Fraser stands for now and has stood for throughout history.

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Murray

Meaning and Origin of the Name Murray

Murray is a boy’s given or surname from Scotland and Ireland and can be traced back to the Medieval Gaelic word Muireb or Moreb which means “sea settlement.” The Scottish origin of the name Murray is a common variation of the word ‘Moray’ and denotes the area on the south shore of the Moray Firth, in Scotland.

 

Popularity

In 2012, the male name Murray was the 73rd most popular baby boy’s name in Scotland in 2012 (data from the Scottish Government).

It is a popular name even today, particularly in Ulster. The Murray name can also be traced to the Clan Murray (Clann Mhuirich) from the 12th century whose ancestors fought in the Wars of Scottish Independence in the late 13th and early 14th century, the family itself has a long and rich history and the clan motto is: “Furth, Fortune, and Fill the Fetters”, or “go forth against your enemies, have good fortune, and return with captives.” Although most who carry the name Murray are Scottish themselves the name is popular in many cultures and heritages.

Famous People with the Name Murray

Some famous bearers of the name are: Murray Walker the Formula One commentator, Andy Murray the Scottish tennis player, Murray Hamilton an actor as seen in Jaws, Yvonne Murray the Olympian, Alexander Murray the famed geologist, and Darren Murray and Grant Murray, Scottish footballers.

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Ross

Discover the wonders of the Scottish male name Ross.

Meaning and Origin

Ross is known to be a name for males although, it is sometimes typical for females of a Scottish descent to be named Ross. The name Ross means “headland” and the surname Ross originates from Scottish and England.

Ross is pronounced ‘ros’.

 

Popularity

Ross is becoming less popular compared to previous years in Scotland. In 2006, Ross was ranked the 26th name. Consequently, the name Ross was the 73rd most popular name for boys in Scotland for 2012. For Scottish people, someone with the name of Ross is considered to have came from a peninsula.

Famous People

A few celebrities with the first name of Ross include, Ross Geller, who is popular from the television series “Friends”. Another, famous celebrity is Ross Barkley who is a famous English football player. In addition, Ross Perot was an United States presidential candidate.

In addition, Ross is also a popular last name for a numerous amount of people. Overall, Ross seems to be a very likeable, respectable, and nice name for males.

Ewan

History Of The Name Ewan

Many expecting parents will want to consider the name Ewan for their child. This may be the perfect name for parents of Scottish heritage.

Popularity

This is because the name Ewan is very popular throughout Scotland and Canada. Ewan is the 82nd most popular baby boy’s name in Scotland in 2012 (Scottish Government Statistics).

Origin

It is derived from Eoghan, which is an ancient Gaelic name. Eoghan actually means derived from the yew. The Ewan name history has been continued over the past few centuries, maintaining its status within these cultures.

There are a few different forms of the name Ewan that have been utilized over the years. The Ewan name pronunciation can actually differ quite a bit as well. This is owing to the fact that the name has been utilized over the course of the years by many different people. Some people will tend to have variations of the name, such as Eouen. Owen is a very similar name, which has been used throughout Wales.

Famous People

Some parents may be interested to know that many celebrities have had the name Ewan over the years. This has included Ewan MacGregor and Ewan Morrison. Most everyone will be interested in considering this name for their kids soon. This may give them a name that they will cherish throughout their lives.

Alistair

Popularity and Meaning of the Name Alistair

The Scottish name of Alistair has proven to be a popular one over the years. It is currently listed as the 114th most popular boy’s name in Scotland, as of 2012 (Scottish Government Statistics). The meaning of Alistair is simple, as it originated as a Gaelic take on the Greek name of Alexander. It has been in use as a name in Scotland for centuries, but it has become increasingly used in the English speaking world over the past couple decades.

Though the name Alistair has foreign origins, it does have its own roots in Scottish communities. It forms the root name of many different Scottish Clans, including the prominent MacAlister family lineage. The usage of the name can be traced back to the 13th century in the country. Alasdair Mor and Alexander Og were two early and prominent Scots bearing this name.

The usage of the name has persisted over the centuries and continues to be used up to this day. There are many living people throughout the world that bear this name or some direct variant of it. Alistair McGowen and Alistair Darling are two prominent people who have this name.

Variations on the Name

Other common spellings of the name may include Alasdair and Alastair.

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Brodie

Meaning and Origin of Brodie

Word Cloud of the Scottish name Brodie
Word Cloud of the Scottish name Brodie

The name Brodie can be used as either a forename or a surname. The name was originally from Moray, Scotland. However, it is uncertain as to what the actual meaning of Brodie could be.

The surname Brodie is a well-known Scottish clan name with a rich history. Originating from the lands of Brodie in Moray, Scotland, the name is thought to be derived from the Old Norse word “broðir,” meaning “brother.” This suggests that the original bearer of the name might have been a sibling or close relative of another Norse settler in the region.

Brodie could have originated for the name for brothers
Brodie could have originated for the name for brothers

There are other suggestions as to what the name could mean. For example, there are some who believe that the name Brodie is Gaelic for the meaning ‘little ridge’. There are others who believe that it originates from the Gaelic word ‘brothach’ which means ‘a muddy place’.

Popularity

This name has progressively become more common. In 2023, the name was the 13th most popular boys’ name in Scotland.

In the United States the name peaked in popularity around 2008, but has since seen a gradual decline.

Brodie’s popularity is probably due to the fact that the name sounds cool and interesting compared to some of the other names.

Famous People

The YouTube personality Brodie Smith
The YouTube personality Brodie Smith

There are a couple famous people who have the name Brodie. These people include Brodie Smith and Brodie Retallick. Also, Brodie is a name used in the popular anime series Yu-Gi-Oh! for Axel Brodie.

William Brodie (1741-1788): A cabinetmaker who became notorious for his involvement in a series of high-profile robberies in Edinburgh. His story was later dramatized in Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel “Kidnapped.”Alexander Brodie (1817-1862): A Scottish-born Australian politician who served as the first Premier of South Australia.Sir Thomas Brodie (1884-1966): A British surgeon and medical administrator who made significant contributions to the field of neurosurgery.

The Brodie clan played a significant role in Scottish history. They were involved in various conflicts and battles, including the Wars of Independence against England. The clan’s castle, Brodie Castle, is a stunning 16th-century building located in Moray. It is now a popular tourist attraction and offers visitors a glimpse into the history of the Brodie family.

Variations of the Name

An alternative spelling that you will sometimes find for Brodie is Brody. Also, sometimes Brodie has been used as a girl’s name.

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Angus

Meaning and Origin of Angus

The masculine name of Angus is the English, from the Scotch-Irish Gaelic name Aonghas, meaning “choice” and “one”. In Irish format, the name is Aengus. The meaning of Angus is derived from Celtic components, meaning “one”, and “choice”.

God of virility and love was known as Aonghus
God of virility and love was known as Aonghus

The Scottish form is Angie, with a hard “g” sound, while the shorter version is Gus. Angusina is the feminised version. The origins of forms of this name, per Alex Woolf, historian, are all from the Celtic form, “Oinogustos”.

In the Celtic myths, the god of virility and love was known as Aonghus. The name Angus has been in Scottish usage before 300 BC. The Irish and English have also used the name, but contemporary usage is more associated with the Scots version. The turn of the twentieth century was a time when the first name of Angus was most in vogue, although it is still commonly heard today.

Angus is closely associated with the Scottish clan MacAonghas, or MacAngus, a prominent clan whose name is derived from the personal name “Aonghas.”

Popularity of the Name

Angus has seen a steady increase in popularity in recent decades, particularly in English-speaking countries. Its strong, masculine sound and connection to Scottish heritage make it a popular choice for parents seeking a traditional name with a sense of history.

  • The baby boy’s name Angus is the 44th most widely given boy’s name in Scotland in 2023 (2024 Scottish Government Statistics).

Famous people called Angus

  • Some of the more known individuals with this name have been Angus Deaton and Angus Macfadyen, whose wikis are located online at and
  • Angus MacGyver: The protagonist of the popular television series “MacGyver.”
  • Angus Young: A Scottish-born Australian musician and guitarist in the rock band AC/DC.
  • Angus Robertson: A Scottish politician who served as the leader of the Scottish National Party from 2004 to 2014.

Summary

Angus remains a popular and timeless name, often associated with qualities such as strength, loyalty, and a strong sense of tradition. Its Scottish roots and enduring appeal make it a classic choice for parents looking for a name with a touch of history and character.

Callum

Meaning and Origin of Callum

The name Callum is one of the most popular male names to originate from Scotland. The name Callum is well known within the Christian community because the name means dove which is a symbol of gentleness, the Holy Spirit, and purity. There are a number of variations of the name; Calum, Calumn, Colum, or Calumn.

Popularity

Callum  is the 24th most popular baby boy’s name in Scotland in 2012 (Scottish Government Statistics). Also Callum is growing in popularity in America, since 2008 more Americans are starting to adopt the name.

Famous People

Famous actors called Callum include Callum Rennie, Calum Worthy, and Callum Blue.

Summary

This influential name is a platform for anyone wanting a nice male name with a strong Christian background. The name not only sounds good but represents a renown country with spiritual values.

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Cameron

Did you know that the name Cameron is a very popular and Scottish given name in our language today. Cameron is very much a unisex name. Which mean it can be given to either a boy or a girl. It’s one of the few names in our history that has this ambiguity.

Meaning and Origin of the Boy’s Name Cameron

The meaning of Cameron actually comes from Scottish decent. It’s recognizable by the surname in Scotland, which is Cameron. In Gaelic it means “crooked nose”. Cameron’s popularity has been around for years.

Popularity

Cameron is the 25th most popular baby boy’s name in Scotland in 2012 (Scottish Government Statistics).

Famous People Called Cameron

Think about some of the well-know people here in the states that carry this name. There is the famous director, Cameron Crowe. There is also the actress Cameron Diaz. She has been in a variety of movies such as The Sweetest Thing and Bad Teacher.

There is also the famous New Zealand soccer player Cameron Knowles. Who is not related to Beyoncé Knowles. There is the American actor Cameron Douglas and the rapper Cameron Giles. There is Cameron Russell, a famous model. Than there is Cameron Stout, who was a contestant on the UK version of Big Brother. This is just a few of a long list of people named Cameron. How many can you think of?

Useful Resources

Our comprehensive list of Scottish Boys Names.

Jamie

Jamie is a name that has stuck with Scottish traditions for several generations. The name Jamie has been such a sought after name in Scotland that is has recently ranked number 23rd for boys. One of the reasons that Jamie is so sought after is because the name could be used for either a boy or a girl.

Meaning and Origin

What makes Jamie meaning so unique is that it was used as a pet form of ‘James.’ The Scottish description of Jamie meaning is Supplanter. What is interesting about the definition of Supplanter is that it can take on a positive explanation. This word is not typically thought of as positive. Conventionally the word Supplanter could be taken as a bad thing, like someone who takes or overthrows by force. However, supplanting or Supplanter could be looked at differently. The word could mean someone of strength and perseverance.  The name ‘Jamie’ that correlates with the action of determination through the act of supplanting. Therefore the word Supplanter could be perceived very differently than its ubiquitous understanding of the definition.

Popularity

The Name Jamie is a good Scottish name to use because it was the 525th most popular baby boy’s name in Scotland in 2012 (Scottish Government Statistics).