Meaning of Marcus and Origin

The name Marcus in the Scottish Gaelic meaning is the “hammer” which has grown in popularity since within this region since the 1990s. It is considered one of the stronger more masculine names to be given. It is also considered to be an honoring to the Roman God Mars who was known as the God of War in pre-Christian times.

The popularity of Marcus

Marcus has been in the top 100 charts for baby names in Australia, Canada, England, Scotland, Sweden, and Wales since the 1990s and in the top 200 in the United States since the1960s.

In Scotland, in 2017 it was ranked as 134th on the popular boy names list. It was first recorded as a surname in Germany around 1390 AAD. and has been associated with religious icons in Itay, France, and Spain since around 1000 A.D. There are a couple of variations of this name, Markus and Markes; the common nickname is Mark.

People Called Marcus

There are several historical people with Marcus as a first or surname. Here are a few to mention: Marcus Aurelius: Roman Emperor (161 A.D. – 180 A.D.), Marcus Rashford: Professional English Foward Footballer (2016 – current), Marcus Bent: Former Professional English Foward Footballer (1995-2011), and Marcus Mumford: Singer/Songwriter for Mumford and Sons (1987-current)

Useful Resources

Discover the meaning and popularity of other Scottish boys’ names.

The name Sawney is the Scottish masculine form of Sandy and Alexander. Sawney is an obsolete nickname for a Scotsman.

Meaning of Sawney

Sawney means the defender of mankind.

Popularity of Sawney

Sawney was once the 121,288th most popular name. About 300 people or .0.001 percent have Sawney for a first name. It’s no supprise that Sawney was not in the top 100 boys names in Scotland in 2018.

Famous People with the Name Sawney

Sawney Bean

Sawney Bean was born in 1500 and was the head of a 45-member clan in the 16th century Scotland. Alexander Sawney Bean was the son of a ditch-digger and hedge-trimmer. Sawney decided to go into a different line of work.

Sawney Webb

William Robert Webb was also known as Sawney Webb. Webb was born on November 11, 1842, in Person County, North Carolina. In his lifetime, Sawney Webb was an educator who founded the Webb School, a private college prep school in 1870. Webb served as North Carolina United States Senator for a short while after the defeating interim Senator Newell Sanders . Webb only served as US Senator for six weeks.

Useful Resources

Discover the meaning and popularity of other Scottish boys’ names.

Origin and Meaning of the Name Kester

The name Kester is of Scottish decent. The meaning of Kester is one who carries Christ.

Popularity

Unfortunately the popularity of Kester is not in the top 100 baby boys’ names in Scotland in 2018, but the upside Kester is Scottish for Christopher. Even with the unpopularity of Kester there are several interesting people with the name.

Famous People with the Name Kester

Kester Berwick born in 1903 was an Australian actor that was born Frank Perkins, and later changed his name during World War II when a friend said it would be less plebeian.

Kester Smith better known as “Smitty” is an American Percussionist who has been a drummer for the Taj Mahal Tio for over 40 years. He has collaborated with Jazz, blues, and world musicians.

Kester Jacobs is a Guyanese soccer player who plays for Nishan’42 in the SVB Hoofdklasse as a defender.

As you can see even with the unpopularity of the name Kester there are still people in history that do carry the name. Even if people don’t name their children Kester, there are several names that have derived from the origin of the name.

Useful Resources

Discover the meaning and popularity of other Scottish boys names.

The name Norval is a boy’s name. In the 19th century Norval was used as a surname. Norval is an Anglo-Scottish version of the French surname Norville.

Meaning of Norval

Norval means northern town. Norval also means from the north valley.

Popularity of Norval

Norval was at the height of popularity in 1897 when 89 baby boys were born. The popularity matched 1897 in the early 1900s. Norval fell off the charts after 1980.

Famous People with the Name Norval

Norval White

Norval White was born in New York in 1926. He was best known as an architect, writer, historian, and professor.

Norval Marley

Norval St. Clair Marley was born in Clarendon Parish in Jamaica on November 30, 1884. Other dates including 1885 and 1881 are documented as Marley’s birth year. The naval captain was best known as Bob Marley’s father.

Useful Resources

Discover the meaning and popularity of other Scottish boys names.

Origin and Meaning of the Name Evander

There is some debate on the origin of the name Evander. The most commonly accepted belief is that the name originates in the Greco-Roman world. It is derived from the Greek Evandros and the Latinized Evandrus. Both forms of the name mean “good man”.

As a Scottish name, it is more likely that Evander is an Anglicised form of Iomhar, which derives from the Norse, Ivor. Here, the meaning of Evander is “bow warrior” or “strong man”.

Popularity of Evander

The name Evander has not been very common over the last century, although it has had a recent spike in the popularity of Evanderm in the United States. In 2018, 198 boys were given the name Evander, making it the 1,061st most common name given to baby boys that year.

The story is different in Scotland. Evander is not included in the list of 100 most popular Scottish names. In fact, only one baby boy was given the name in 2018, ranking it as 1,282nd in popularity.

Famous Evanders

Although an uncommon name, there have been notable Evanders. Evander of Pallene was a mythological figure credited with founding the city of Pallantium, which would later become Rome.

In modern times, American boxer, Evander Holyfield, became a household name as the heavyweight champion. Another sports figure, Evander Kane, is a noted Canadian professional hockey player.

Useful Resources

Discover the meaning and popularity of other Scottish boys’ names.

Meaning and Origin

Coinneach is a very distinctive Scottish male name. The meaning of Coinneach comes from the Gaelic word for handsome which is “caoin.”

Popularity

Coinneach does not have a high popularity in Scotland. Government statistics say that the popularity of Coinneach did not rank in the top 100 names of 2017.

Famous Men with the Name Coinneach

Coinneach is often anglicised to “Kenneth.” Many historical figures with the name Coinneach are now referred to as Kenneth.

Coinneach mac Ailpein, or Kenneth MacAlpin, is commonly thought of as the first king of Scots. His rule is therefore a key part of Scottish national identity.

Coinneach Odhar, or the Brahan Seer, was allegedly able to predict the future. He used an Adder stone (a stone that has a natural hole in the middle) to aid his visions.

Coinneach mac Mhaoil Chaluim is the modern Gaelic version of Kenneth II. Kenneth II was the King of Scots in the late 900s A.D.

Useful Resources

See our complete list of Scottish boy’s names.

Check out the most popular Scottish names for boys.

The Etymology and Meaning of Chattan

Undoubtedly the name Chattan, which has a stunning number of spellings such as Chatto, Kato, Cato. Shatto, etc, ought to bring great pleasure to desirous of a Scottish name rooted in Scottish culture.

The actual origination point of the name is much debated, but, for example, the Catti of the Gauls and Sutherland’s Catav aside, it is typically associated with Saint Cathan. Nonetheless, some have contended the pronunciation has “Chattan” sounding as “Hattan.”

The name Chattan comes from Cait, an ancient name of Gilchattan Mor, baillie of Ardchattan who was a follower of Saint Cattan.

The meaning of Chattan is clan of the cats.

Popularity of Chattan

While there are other male names that have dominated in the statistics of Scotland regarding the occurrences of names in Scottish society, Chattan has not been one of those, the name not making it into the top 100.

Historical Persons Named Chattan

Having celebrated connections to Scotland’s Isle of Bute as well as to his sister’s son Blane, this 6th Century Irish monk named Naomh Catháin but who is normally known as Cathan and variations thereof, including Chattan, was also begotten of the royalty of Dál Riata. The monk was revered as a saint in the Scottish Hebrides. Saint Cathan was admired because he was one of the very first missionaries to come to the Isle of Brute that was part of Dál Riata in northeastern Ireland. Cathan lived in a chapel that was founded by Clan MacLeod. Little’s known about Cathan who’s associated with nephew, Saint Blane.

In the Episcopalian religious system as well as in Roman Catholicism, he is recognised and revered, but mostly in the shadow of Blane.

There is also the Clan Cattan that was a confederacy of clans that formed in the 1600s. The Chattan Clan has 12 subclans. Each clan has his own chief who runs a the clans under the Scottish laws.

Useful Resources

Discover the meaning and origin of other Scottish boys’ names.

Meaning and Origin of the Celtic name Allen

Allen is a great name with strong Celtic roots that had gained international popularity. The name Allen is a derivative of Allan from Scotland and Alan from England and Ireland.

One meaning of Allen is “little rock” from the Gaelic word ailin which is said to be derived from ail which means rock. Another possible meaning of Allen or Allan comes from Alauna, who may have been a Celtic and/ or Brittany river goddess.

Alauna means “to flow or to stream.” Allan Water is a famous river in central Scotland that is referenced in ballads and a Thomas Hardy novel. Other meanings of Allen include harmony or noble.

Popularity

The popularity of Allen increased in the 1970s and has slowly declined in use over the years. Allen was the 915th most popular boys’ name in Scotland in 2017 with only 2 babies being given that name.

Famous People Called Allen

The popularity of Allen as an alternate spelling can be contributed to the American poet and writer, Allen Ginsberg, who gained recognition in the 1940s. Famous Scottish individuals with the first name Allan include trade unionist, Allan Findlay and a former footballer, Sandy Allan.

Meaning and Origin of the Dougie

The name Dougie, pronounced “Doogie”, is a variant of the powerful Scottish surname Douglass. Its roots can be traced back to South Lanarkshire, Scotland; an area known for dark rivers like the River Nethan. The meaning of Dougie translates into dubh glas, the Scottish Gaelic words for dark water.

Popularity

The popularity of Dougie or Douglas, had its peak ranking in the early twentieth century when it was placed 57th most popular name for boys. Since that time it has experienced a steady decline as it is now ranked 338th in the UK.

Although Douglas was once used as a female first name, the rare feminine variant Douglyn, hasn’t made any significant rankings.

Famous People Called Dougie

Dougie Brown is an English comedian an actor who appeared on Granada Television’s series The Comedians.
Dougie Donnelly is a Scottish sportscaster from Glasgow who was formerly affiliated with the BBC.
Dougie Reid was a famous Scottish football player and an inside forward. He played for Portsmouth and Stockport County.

Useful Resources

Discover the meaning and origin of other Scottish boys’ names.

Bothan-Origin and Meaning

The name Bothan or Bothain is derived from the Scottish Gaelic term for stone shelter or hut. The first known reference for Bothan was used in 1750 to describe rent-free stone dwellings in the Scottish Highlands.

These wilderness structures were temporarily utilised as farm outbuildings for laborers as they worked. The work was typically harsh and they developed a reputation for singing in the evenings. These songs, or Bothy Ballads, are rooted in the meaning of Bothan, which translates to “from the stone house.”

Popularity of the Name

Bothan or Bothain is a unique name that isn’t normally found outside of the UK, except in literature. It is commonly known as a boy’s name, as there haven’t been any reported variations of a feminine form.

The popularity of Bothan hasn’t reached the top 100 list of Scottish names since 1900, but it remains as a strong cultural name that is embedded in Scottish culture.

Useful Resources

Discover the meaning and popularity of other Scottish boys’ names.

Origin of the Name Lennox

The name Lennox originates from Scotland. Lennox can be used as a boy’s name or a surname. Lennox, came from a place near Dumbarton. Although it’s rare, sometimes a girl can be named Lennox.

Meaning of Lennox

Lennox means with many elm trees. The meaning of Lennox is also from Levenach.

Popularity of Lennox

In 2018, Lennox ranked 371. In 2016, Lennox reached about 350 and dropped to 281 in 2017.

Famous People/Places Called Lennox

Earl of Lennox

The Earldom of Lennox was created in the 12th century beginning with Ailin. The Earldom of Lennox Lewis was established in the year 1154 by King Malcom IV.

Lennox Lewis

Lennox Lewis is a professional boxer, born in London in 1965. Lewis has been a boxer in the heavyweight division since 1989.

He won the world heavyweight championship three times.

The Lennox

The Lennox is a region in Scotland located at the center of the Vale of Leven. The Lennox is one of the seven ancient provinces that was formed in the middle ages in Scotland.

Lennox Cato

Lennox Cato’s an antique dealer born in 1961 in London, England to parents from West India. Cato specializes in 17th and 18th century furniture.

Useful Resources

Discover the meaning and popularity of other Scottish boys’ names.

The name Nicol can be used as a first or last name. Nicol is a Scottish name and the form of the name Nicol, although it is normally given to Italian girls. Nicol as a given name is feminine or masculine .

Meaning of Nicol

Nicol means victoriuous.

Popularity of Nicol

In 1997, Nicol reached 1450 in popularity. The popularity of Nicol dipped and picked up in 2002 at 2868, continuing to rise a little until it dropped to 3197 in 2004. There was another rise to 2007 at 1126. Very steadily, Nicol slowly dropped; the latest report is 2015 at 2195.

Famous People with the Name Nicol

Nicol Williamson

Nicol Williamson was a British actor and singer born in 1936. He appeared in British and American dramatic films from 1956 1977 before retiring. John Osbourne considers Williamson as the greatest actor since Marlon Brando.

Andy Nicol

Andrew Douglas Nicol was born on March 12, 1971, in Dundee, Scotland. Nicol is known as a Scottish rugby player who won 23 cups. After his retirement from rugby playing, Nicol became manager of a seven base Scottish rugby team called Bone Steelers at Dubai for three consecutive and one consecutive season.

Useful Resources

Discover the meaning and popularity of other Scottish male names.

Meaning and Origin of the Name Monreo

The name “Monroe” is one that has a rich and historical meaning. The name Monroe is of Scottish/Gaelic origin. What is the meaning of Monroe? “From the river’s mouth.” the Latin meaning is “From the red marsh.” Today, it is considered to be primarily an American name.

Popularity

It has commonly been a boy’s name, but in some rare instances some girls have been named Monroe as a first name. Monroe is a surname, which means it can be used both as a first and last name. It still has a widespread currency to this day, which is a testimony of the popularity of Monroe.

In 2017, there were 2 babies given the name Monreo in Scotland.

Famous People with the Name Monreo

As was previously mentioned, the name Monroe has a name that has rich, historical meaning. Historical persons, places and articles have been connected to the Monroe name. Here are the following:

• James Monroe-5th President of the United States
• Monroe Doctrine- The Monroe Doctrine is a principle of US policy,devised by President James Monroe in 1823 that any nation outside of the United States meddling in its politics is an infringement on the domestic affairs of the nation is to be viewed as a threat to its policies.
• Monroe Louisiana. The mayor of Monroe Louisiana is Jamie Mayo.
• Monroe Morton-Famous African American builder or developer. Monroe Morton built the Monroe Building and Morton Theater, both located in Athens, Georgia.

Useful Resources

Discover the meaning and popularity of other Scottish boys’ names.