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Bean

Meaning and Origin of the Name Bean

The boy’s name Bean while not very popular can also be used for a girl. Today however the name is a more common surname. While it has Celtic origins, it is derived from the name Beathan which is both Gaelic and Scottish.

It was also the occupational name for a grower of beans. It has been used as a nickname given to a person that is pleasant. The nickname Bean comes from the Middle English “bene” meaning friendly.

The meaning of Bean is fair skinned. It is said that People with this name value truth and justice and are quick to anger with those who do not. The person with this name has a practical nature and is good at managing money. They seem very cautious because of their focus on practicality.

Popularity

Ranking in the 8,066th position of names shows that popularity of the name Bean is not very common at all. It is estimated that .001% or 33,300 of the world’s population have the name Bean. There is not enough data to give the number of times people were given the name per year.

Famous Beans

-Mr Bean – the comical television character played by Rowan Atkinson
-Alexander “Sawney” Bean was the leader of a Scottish clan

Useful Resources

Discover the meaning and origin other Scottish boys’ names.

Irving

Origin and meaning of Irving

The name Irving was the 1258 most popular baby boys’s name in Scotland in 2014.

The meaning of Irving can mean several different things. In Celtic, the Irving name can mean white or handsome. In Scottish it can mean either city or friend.

History and Famous People Called Irving

The popularity of Irving can be seen in Jewish Americans as well as people of Scottish descent due to its similar sound to common Jewish names such as Israel or Isador. Examples are songwriter Irving Berlin, American entertainment executive Irving Azoff, and chemist Irving Langmuir.

First used as a last name by the Strathclyde-Briton family from the parish Irving on the English Scottish Border.

Some notable people with the last name Irving are the American Writer Washington Irving famous for the works “Rip Van Winkle” and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and American Novelist and Screenwriter John Irving, author of “The World According to Garp” and “The Cider House Rules”.

Irving Place in New York City pays tribute to writer Washington Irving, and Irving TX near Dallas also owes its name to Washington Irving.

Useful Resources

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

Jockie

History about the Name Jockie

The name Jockie is a Scottish name meant for baby boys. Just as most Scottish name it has an identity that makes in a way determines the character of the boy when they grow up.

The meaning of Jockie is an English name which is Jack and in Hebrew, it means Yahweh may protect and the holder of the heel.

In its English version most people call their children jack while in Scottish, it is pronounced as Jocky. Jack is more popular than Jockie, in the Scottish top most popular name from the government’s statistics Jockie was not popular. However, it is a great name for boys especially in Scotland where parents award the children the name to make them develop a sensible character when growing.

Famous People with the Name Jockie

Despite people adopting the English version of Jockie , the popularity of Jockie still exists. For example, the most popular person existing with the name Jockie includes:

  • Jockie Jones an Australian footballer who played the fairest games back in the 1920s.
  • Also, there is Jockie Soerjoprajogo a famous musician from the region of Indonesia.

Jockie definitely is a good name for a baby boy.

Useful Resources

Discover the meaning and popularity of other Scottish male names.

Johnny

Meaning of the Name Johnny

Johnny-Probably the best-known nickname ever, as well as the most commonly used. What is the meaning of the name Johnny?

The meaning of Johnny, as it is known today, is derived from the Hebrew name Yehanan, which is a shortened form of Yehohanan, which means in Hebrew Yahweh, or as it is known in English, Jehovah. It actually means “Yahweh (or Jehovah) is gracious.”

History and Popularity of the Name

No doubt most of us are familiar with the Apostle John, who was one of Jesus’ 12 apostles, as well as the four epistles, or letters, that bears his name.

In later centuries, the name John-or Johnny was further derived from the Middle Latin Johannes, which is from the Greek name Ioannes.

John, as indicated at the onset, is probably one of the most commonly-known name as well as the most widely-used. Even in the 20th and the 21st centuries it continues to have wide currency.

A Few Famous People Called Johnny

Johnny Carson was a famous chat show host.
Johnny Carson was a famous chat show host.

There are many famous people with the name John or Johnny; some are Johnny Depp, Johnny Giles and Johnny Carson, among many others, too numerous to mention.

One of the most famous brands of Scottish Whiskey is called Johnnie Walker

Johnny is a name not easy to forget.

Variations of the Name Jonny

There are variations of the name, such as Jonny, Johnie, Jonnie, among others. There is no question that the popularity of Johnny still continues.

Useful Resources

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

Rabbie

Origin and Meaning of Rabbie

Rabbie is one of the nicknames for Robert, and is a Scottish form of Robbie. Robert comes from the Old High German Hrodperht, and means “shining fame.” Other German forms of Robert are Rupert and Ruprecht. The Anglo-Saxons adopted the name Robert, and after the Norman Conquest, it became very popular; one of William the Conqueror’s sons was named Robert. It’s still popular, and there are forms of Robert in many languages.

A pet form of the name Rabbie is Rab.

Famous Rabbies

The name Rabbie has a varied background. It’s shared by Rabbie Dungeon, a location in the online multiplayer game Mabinogi World, and Sir Rabbie Namaliu, the former Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea.

It’s also shared by the Scottish king Robert the Bruce, who freed Scotland from the English. But most famously, it’s the nickname of Robert Burns, Scotland’s most beloved poet. Robert, or Rabbie Burns, was a farmer’s son and largely self-educated. He was a poetic genius who wrote “A Red, Red Rose,” “To a Mouse,” and the world-famous “Auld Lang Syne”.

Popularity of Rabbie

Rabbie was not in the top 100 names in 2014. However, Robert was number 50.

Useful Resources

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

Padraig

Meaning and Origin of the Name Padraig

The name Padraig comes from the Gaelic or old Irish and means of noble birth. The meaning of Padraig was taken when the name was changed to Patrick due to the similarity of the sound of the two names.

Padraig is pronounced pawdrig which sounds like Patrick. The popularity of Padraig is very old beginning with the British born Saint Patrick who was a missionary to the Irish in the fifth century.

Popularity of the Name

Padraig is not a very popular name in Scotland as it only had one registered baby name in 2014.

Famous People with the Name

There are famous people who still use the old Gaelic name of Padraig like Padraig Harrington a famous golfer.

Although most meanings of the name Padraig like patrician and noble have become associated with the word that means Padraig, patrician, the old Gaelic name is still given to boys in Ireland by parents who want to uphold their old Gaelic traditions and names.

Boys named Padraig are said to be shy and contemplative. The name has become  associated with Saint Patrick who was a slave in Ireland before he escaped and returned to Christianize Ireland.

The numerological number of Padraig is eleven. These boys are very sensitive and need to be nurtured and made to feel helpful and welcome.

Useful Resources

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

Eion

Origin of the name Eion

Although not one of the most popular names in Scotland, the name Eoin has been around for many years, originating from medieval times. Like many names, the name Eoin has some history and meaning to it.

Originating from Hebrew, the exact meaning of Eoin is “God is gracious”, and it is normally given to a boy. Eion is a Gaelic form of the name John and is pronounced like the name Owen.

Popularity

The popularity of Eoin rose in the early 2000s (mostly in the year 2003) in Scotland and was ranked 46th in that country.  In 2017, the name was the 442nd most popular boys’ name in Scotland.

Famous People with the Name

The cricketer Eoin Morgan
The cricketer Eoin Morgan

There are many people named Eoin and this even includes very well-known people from various famous spectrum such as sports, entertainment, and politics; the majority of these people come from either Scotland or Ireland.

The list of people named Eoin is large ranging from Eoin Bradley(Gaelic football), Eoin Cotter (Gaelic football), Eoin Kelly (Irish hurler), Eoin Morgan (cricketer) and much more.

Pronounce Eoin

Overall the name Eoin is associated with Scottish people but is used all over the world but is pronounced in many different ways and although not popular now many people have it today. In each country, they have their own distinct way of pronouncing things and they actually have a different meaning associated with it.

Useful Resources

Discover the meaning and popularity of other Scottish names

Niven

Niven, Meaning, and History

The name Niven is a unique and historical name with strong Scottish origins. Derived from the Gaelic name “Naoimhin”, Niven translates to “little saint”. The name carries a sense of purity, grace, and historical significance.

The name first appeared in Ayrshire which used to be a country in southern Scotland. The Scottish Niven family has been traced back to very ancient times, even before the Norman Conquest in 1066. The Niven family is believed to have moved from Scotland to Ireland and later to the Americas.

Origin

Niven has its roots in ancient Gaelic culture. The Gaelic “Naoimhin” is a diminutive form, meaning “little saint.” It highlights the name’s religious and cultural heritage. Traditionally, it was a surname, and its use as a given name reflects its historical depth and character.

Variations

The name Niven may not seem like a popular name for boys, but it is actually derived from a powerful Scottish family. The meaning of Niven is “little saint” and can take on many forms, such as Nevin, Navin, Newin, Nifen, and Nevison.

Popularity

Niven is not among the most common names, but it has maintained a steady presence in Scotland and other English-speaking regions. While it may not rank highly on popularity charts, its uniqueness, and cultural significance make it a cherished choice for parents looking for something distinctive.

There were only two babies called Niven in Scotland in 2023.

The popularity of the name Niven.
The popularity of the name Niven.

Famous People with the Name

Alexander and William Niven arrived in New Jersey in 1685. A different William Niven settled in New Jersey in 1686, while others from the Niven family moved to New York and California in the 19th Century. Besides the United States and Canada, the Nivens also spread to Australia and New Zealand during the 19th Century.

Famous people who have descended from the Niven family include William R. Niven, Pearl L. Niven, Laurence van Cott Niven, and many others. David Niven, John Niven, and Derek.

Niven also shares the surname and could be from the same family. The Niven family has a distinctive crest and coat of arms. Their motto is Vivis Sperandum, which means “Where there is life there is hope”.

Why choose the name?

The name Niven encapsulates a sense of historical and cultural richness. Its association with sainthood and purity gives it a timeless appeal. The name evokes a sense of heritage, making it a meaningful choice for those who value their Scottish roots.

In conclusion, the name Niven is more than just a name; it is a testament to Scottish history and culture. Its unique meaning and historical significance make it a distinctive and cherished choice, resonating with those who bear it and those who appreciate its heritage.

Useful Resources

Discover the meaning and popularity of other Scottish names.

Gregor

Meaning and Origin of Gregor

The name Gregor is a name which has Dutch and Scottish origin. The meaning of Gregor is vigilant. The name Gregor is actually a shortened form of the boy’s name Gregory. The name Gregory is really not a common name in this day and age.

In German as well as Scottish the name “Gregor” means on the watch. It is said that those who possess this name are usually analytical especially when they reach adulthood. Sometimes talents and inborn traits do not completely surface until after puberty sets in.

Essentially, the name “Gregor” or “Gregory” can be given to any one of any nationality. The name is not really heard very often. It seems newer more modern type names have replaced traditional or common names. Therefore, the popularity of Gregor has greatly diminished.

The popularity of the Name

Gregor was the 156th most popular baby boys name in Scotland in 2017 (latest stats from the  Scottish Government)

Famous People Called Gregor

Gregor MacGregor a Scottish solider and adventurer
Gregor MacGregor a Scottish soldier and adventurer

The most famous person with the name Gregor must be the German scientist Gregor Mendel. He was the founder of what we know to today as Genetics.

Gregor MacGregor was a famous Scottish soldier who served in a number of different armies.

Gregor Schlierenzauer an Austrian ski jumper

Traits of People with the Name

The name “Gregory” or “Gregor” will more than likely not be found listed in a book of common baby names. It has been said that people who have the name “Gregor” have a deep desire within to help others as well as influence another person.

Useful Resources

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

Iain

Meaning and Origin of the Name Iain

The beautiful name Iain is of Scottish origin. The meaning of Iain is God is gracious and is a Gaelic form of the name John. In Scottish the meaning is also ‘gift from God.’ This is a well known name that is used in Scotland since the twentieth century.

Famous People with the Name

Some famous Iain’s are Iain Banks and Iain Sinclair, whom are contemporary novelists from Scotland. Also, Iain Archer who is a singer-songwriter, and Iain Balshaw an English rugby player. Game of Thrones actor Iain Glen is a popular one to note.

Traits of the Name

Men who are named Iain have been known to have certain character traits. They are known to be leaders with strong independence. Iain’s do not like to focus on small details, rather more important issues. They enjoy balance and harmony in their lives. They also have good sense of humours and great personalities.

Popularity of the Name Iain

In Scotland in 2014, Iain was the 336th most popular baby boys’ name. However in the 1960’s the name was the 10th most popular name in Britain.

Useful Resources

Discover the meaning, origin & popularity of other boys’ names in Scotland.

Ranald

Facts about the Name Ranald

Discover the all the facts about the male name Ranald. Ranald is a male name of Norse and later Celtic origin. This name has been seen for hundreds of years from all over Eastern an Northern Europe.

Popularity of this Scottish Name

In 2014, Ranald was not in the top 100 baby boys’ names in Scotland. Not even registering one birth according to data from the Scottish Government.

Meaning

Ranald, like many names of Norse origin the meaning of this name holds power. The meaning is Rulers Counsellor thus showing importance of the higher end of the social food chain.

Famous People Called Ranald

The final aspect will be the famous people with the name. Example include the famous general Ranald Slidell Mackenzie who during his time would lead the Union army to victory during the American civil war.

Another holder of this name would be Ranald MacDonald who began the task of teaching English to the Japanese.

The last person we will be looking at is Ranald Graham who till 2010 would write for popular UK shows.

Useful Resources

Discover the meaning and popularity of other Scottish boys’ names

James

Meaning and Origin of the Name James

One of the Scottish names that has been around for many years is the name James. James has been popular since it’s inception biblical times. This is the name that many people in the UK have used over the years. It is actually a variations of the name Jacob.

King James IV of Scotland
King James IV of Scotland

The meaning of James is he who grasps the heel. This is the literal interpretation of the name.

Popularity

James is the name that has a great deal of popularity. It has been used in the UK an Scotland since the 13th century. The Popularity of James has been all over the world, especially in the English speaking world. In 2014 James was the 2nd most popular boys’ name in Scotland.

Famous People Called James

There are many famous people with the name James, both mythical aka James Bond, and real life individuals like James Chadwick and Kings James I and VI.

Those who want to look at the name James know that it has been extremely popular in Scotland for a number of years. It once held second place on a popularity of names in Scotland.. Even though James has been popular over the years, it is not in the Top 100 names currently in Scotland.

Resources

Duff

Meaning and Origin of the Name Duff

As an anglicised form of the Gaelic word “dubh”, the boy’s name Duff stems from Scottish, English, and Irish origins. The meaning of Duff is “dark” and “swarthy”, but it also has a more serene meaning of “black peace.”

Duff can represent a certain type of individual too. For example, in Scotland, it was used to describe someone who had dark hair and an olive complexion. It is also used to refer
to a man, with a dark temperament.

Popularity

As a first and last name, Duff enjoys more popularity as a surname, than it does as a actual first name. It is estimated, there is about 13.100 people with this name, and in a world of billions, this only represents less than one percent of the population.
Although, you can find more people named Duff in Ireland, United States, and the United Kingdom, the name is still rare, even in these countries. For example, in 1880, there were 42 babies per million named Duff, and in 2013, there were only two babies per million, in the USA.

Variation of the name Duff

Duff has variations in the names of Duffy, Duffey, Duffie, Duffee, Duffi, Duffye, Duffia, Duffe, and Duffa.

Famous People with the Name

Despite its rarity, there are still some famous people called Duff. There is Duff Green, who was not only a diplomat, but a teacher, author, industrialist, and politician, among many other things.

Duff Bruce, who began playing for Aberdeen in 1923, was a Scottish pro football player. As a singer and songwriter, Duff Mckagan was a member of the very famous American hard rock band ” Guns ‘N’ Roses.”

Although, the name Duff, is an unusual name, the dark meaning of it, does seem to give it, a quite alluring air of mystique.

Useful Resources

  • Discover the meaning and origin of other Scottish boy’s names

Keith

Origin and Meaning of the Name Keith

The origin of the name Keith is said to be Welsh with Ireland and Scotland also claiming origin. Historically, a long line of earls from Scotland are named Keith. The meaning of Keith is said to be woods or forest.

Popularity

The name Keith has fallen in popularity in most countries over the past few years. Data from Scotland assert the popularity of the baby boy name Keith is rated at 680 in 2014. In 2012

Names that are close associations to Keith are Kieth and Kade. Recent data from the US indicate the popularity of Keith as a baby boy name to consistently range between 2,000 and 9,500 each year.

Famous People with the Name

Keith appears to have been a more commonly selected boy’s name in the mid-twentieth century. There are several celebrities named Keith including Keith Richards (from the band Rolling Stones), Keith Anderson (American country musician), Keith Urban and Keith Jarrett of the music field. Others include Keith Moon (drummer for the Who), Keith Lemon and Keith Carradine.

Useful Resources

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

Ranulf

Meaning and Origin of the Name Ranulf

Ranulf is the English version of an old Norse name, most often given to boys.

The original Norse name, Reginúlfr, Can be broken down into two parts to understand the meaning. Regin means ‘advice’ or ‘decision’, whereas, úlfr means ‘wolf’.

The meaning of Ranulf can be understood as wolf like advice or wolf like decision. Understanding the meaning of the name Ranulf gives the sense of a strong and decisive personality of the person who bears it.

Popularity of Ranulf

It is hard to describe the popularity of Ranulf because of the lack of data and in Scotland in 2014 Ranulf was recorded as a first name. So Ranulf is a very unique name.

Famous People wit the Name

There have been very famous people in history, as well as some who are still alive that carry the name Ranulf.

One such person in history is Ranulf 1 de soules who was a Norman knight who was honoured by being appointed cup-bearer to king David I, Malcon IV, and later William The Lion. He was the first person in Norman tradition to hold that position. Although spelled with a slight variation, Ranulph Fiennes is a modern day example many people look up to. He was able to climb Mount Everest at the age of 65.

Useful Resources

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