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.