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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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’
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.
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.
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See other Gaelic male names like Ian on our website.
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
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.
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Discover other Scottish boys’ names like Gilroy on our website.
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
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.
The name Quinn is a unisex name with Irish and Scottish roots, embodying a rich cultural history and versatile meaning. Originally an Anglicised form of the Gaelic surname “Ó Cuinn”, Quinn translates to “descendant of Conn”. Conn is a name that means “chief” or “wisdom”, symbolising leadership and intelligence.
Variations
There are several spelling variations of the name because of recorders’ tendency to archive names based on how they sounded, rather than asking for, or even caring about actual spelling preference. Some of these spellings include; ‘Quin’, ‘Quine’, ‘Cuinn’, and ‘Cuin’.
Meaning of Quinn
While the surname use of the name in Scotland and Ireland means ‘descendant of Conn’ it has grown to have an attached meaning of ‘Sense’, ‘reason’, ‘wise’ and ‘intelligent’. The O’Quinn family crest features a suit of armor and a winged horse; suggesting understanding, wisdom, intelligence, masculinity, and invulnerability.
It has gained popularity as a given name in recent decades. The name carries connotations of wisdom, strength, and leadership, making it a powerful choice for both boys and girls.
Popularity of Quinn
Quinn was ranked 240th on a list of most popular baby boy names in Scotland in the year 2023.
Quinn has seen a significant rise in popularity, especially in the United States and Canada. In the U.S., it has been a top 100 name for girls since 2011 and for boys since the 2000s. Its gender-neutral appeal and strong sound have contributed to its widespread usage.
The popularity of Quinn in Scotland
Famous people with the name Quinn
Fame and fortune attached to the name include remarkable people such as Quinn Martin the prime-time TV producer; Quinn Allman, an alternative rock musician; and Quinn Buckner, a noted basketball player who is one of only three people in history to win high school, college, and Olympic titles in the game. .
Quinn Cook, an American professional basketball player.
Quinn Shephard, an American actress and filmmaker.
Aidan Quinn, an acclaimed American actor known for his roles in “Legends of the Fall” and “Benny & Joon”.
Why choose the name?
Quinn is a name that resonates with a sense of history and modernity. Its roots in Irish and Scottish heritage connect it to a legacy of wisdom and leadership, while its contemporary use as a unisex name reflects current naming trends. The name Quinn embodies a perfect blend of tradition and modern appeal, making it a timeless choice.
In conclusion, the name Quinn is more than just a name; it is a symbol of wisdom, leadership, and cultural heritage. Whether used for boys or girls, it remains a powerful and meaningful choice that stands the test of time.
The popularity of Gregory for a boy may stem from cultural, familial, or historical precedents. Historically known for the Greek versions, the Scottish surname and primary Gregory name have remained consistently popular with passing generations. The masculine sounding name offers a vision of competence and agility for young men. Bearers of the Gregory name are often expected to live up to their namesake in many positive ways. Many company names choose to use the Gregory derivative at the end of a name, such as MacGregor, to create trusted brand recognition and brand loyalty. An astute watchman or concrete statute that bears the name Gregory would be an effective marketing strategy.
Meaning of Gregory
In general, the meaning of Gregory is believed to have Greek roots which indicate a watchful gatekeeper. Being aware of their surroundings was an equally important trait for soldiers during wartime and peacetime in virtually every ancient culture. Another modern meaning of Gregory relates to entertainers and men with extreme agility and variety in the forms of dance, physical comedy, acting, and singing. Gregory Peck, Gregory Isaacs, and Gregory Peck are perfect examples of how wide the realm of entertainers bearing the moniker can truly reach.
Popularity
Gregory was the 687th most popular baby boys’s name in Scotland in 2013.
Just under a century ago, the popularity of Wallace was paramount throughout Scotland, Ireland, and surrounding areas. The traditional Scottish moniker has Olde English roots which mean “stranger” or “foreigner” and can be traced back to the late 1200’s. The Wallace name has been held by many folk heroes, most notably William Wallace. The hero who gave his all for the fight of the common people was ultimately executed for his famous uprising movements and leading makeshift soldiers into battle against authority. Other soldiers and members of the royal family also helped make the name famous.
The meaning of Wallace has lead many proud parents to name their strong sons after a local hero. Modern business leaders, entrepreneurs, actors, entertainers, and philanthropists bear the Wallace name. Even fictional characters and clay figures use the name to tell stories and entertain the public. The Wallace and Gromit animated series may not uphold the traditional meaning of Wallace, but it has definitely kept the name in the forefront of choices for potential parents. Although Wallace name was listed as number 847 among the 2013 names for baby boys in Scotland in 2013, it remains a strong choice for parents who wish to honour their family traditions.
Useful Resources
Discover the meaning and origin of other Scottish male names on our website.
A traditionally masculine name, Brice is of ancient Celtic origin. It’s first noted in France and Germany in the Middle Ages and was migrated to England and Scotland by the Normans. Variant forms of the name include Bryce, Bryse, Brizio, and Bricio. One of the first forms of the name, Bricius, is that of a 5th century, French saint who superseded St. Martin as the bishop of Tours.
Meaning of Brice
The name Brice is found to have two possible meanings. The original Celtic form means “speckled” which describes the traditionally freckled-faced Scottish baby boys. Its Welsh origin means “the son of an ardent one” which most likely derives from a personality trait as is often the case with historically rich names.
Popularity of Brice
Brice, as a first name, has not been very popular in Scotland or the Scottish community in recent years. It did not make the 2013 Top 100 Baby Boy Names list in Scotland, however, the name has reached great popularity in the United States and in France. Brice, as a family name, has increased in popularity through the years and several famous people carry the surname. Russell Brice is a mountaineer from New Zealand and Edward Brice was a Scottish Presbyterian minister in the 15th century.
Meaning of Sandy: In Scotland, the name is the Scottish diminutive form of the Greek name Alexander. Alexander means “defender of man” or “man’s defender” or “helper of man.” Alexander most likely originated as a title for Hera, one of the goddesses of the Greek pantheon. The meaning of Sandy in other places can include being the pet form of Alexander or the diminutive of other names like Alasdair, Sandipan, Sanford, or Santiago. It can also be a color reference. For this reason, it is sometimes given to blonde babies. It is unrelated to the surname (last name or family name) Sandy, which has two possible origins: one an Anglo-Saxon place name; and the other from various Norse compound names.
Popularity
Popularity of Sandy: According to recent government statistics, Sandy was the 399 most popular baby boy’s name in Scotland in 2013. The popularity of Sandy has varied historically and has declined in recent years. Of course, some would see this as good news.
Famous people with the First Name Sandy
The following notable individuals share the Sandy name:
Sandy Lyle Scottish Professional golfer.
Alexander “Sandy” Gall Scottish journalist, broadcaster and author.
Christie is a unisex name. The Scottish meaning of Christie is “son of Christian,” or “son of Christopher”.
Popularity of the Name
In the late 1800’s the name Christie was very popular in the Scottish community. Over the years the popularity of Christie has decreased. In 2013 the name Christie for a boy was ranked number 1214 on the popular names list.
Famous People with the Name
The Christie name has been used on several well-known people. Chris Christie is one of the more well-known people to have the name Christie. Chris Christie is the fifty-fifth Governor of New Jersey. Another well-known person with the name Christie is Tony Christie. Tony Christie is an English singer, musician and actor. Tony Christie is also another very well-known name for the name Christie.
Final Thoughts
It is possible that eventually the name Christie will come back to its higher rank in popular names as the years progress. Possibly someday the name Christie will be as popular as it was in the 1800’s. As people being to look for different names that are more unique the name Christie is sure to pop back up in circulation again.
The Chalmers name is a boys name which originates from France. The Chalmers name was introduced to Scotland after the nine hundreds era. The Chalmers name was not a well received boys name in Scotland for the year of two thousand and thirteen.
The meaning of Chalmers is originally meant to describe a French room. Overtime, the meaning of Chalmers has progressed into more of a common Scottish household boys name. The meaning of Chalmers was once used as a type of roar during battle, which was often times utilized by war generals. When the word Chalmers was being yelled on the battlefield, people came to view the Chalmers battle cry as a beacon of hope during a tough fight.
Popularity
The popularity of Chalmers likely comes from the Scottish biographical writer Alexander Chalmers, who was born during the month of March in 1759. The popularity of Chalmers may also be on the rise thanks to the inventor James Chalmers, who during the early eighteen hundreds was able to craft the worlds first ever mailing stamp. Yet still, perhaps the popularity of Chalmers comes from a very well known Irish writer of the nineteen century, Patrick R. Chalmers.
In Scotland in 2013, Chalmers was not in the top 500 baby boy’s names.
The Maxwell name is derived from Scottish. The meaning of Maxwell is “Mack’s Stream” from the name Mack. Mack is Scandinavian and Old English combined together.
Popularity
The popularity of Maxwell as a name is not very high in recent years. It was not in the top 100 for most popular names in either the United State, Scotland or the rest of the U.K. in 2013. However in Canada and New Zealand the name Maxwell ranked in the top 100 for most popular names in the countries.
Famous People Called Maxwell
Although the name Maxwell has not been very popular in recent years there are still several famous people with the name. Some examples are Gerald Maxwell Rivera who went by his stage name Maxwell. He was an American singer and actor. Another example is Maxwell Scherrer Cabelino Andrade who is a Brazilian footballer. Maxwell Kogon was a bomber pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force. Also Grover Maxwell who was a famous American realist philosopher. And finally James Maxwell who was a famous Scottish physicist known for his studies in electromagnetism.
The name Armstrong has an interesting history. It’s origins are from Cumberland, between the border region of Scotland and England, and it came into being about 1237. The Armstrong meaning is from a Middle English reference to someone in battle,who was strong of arm. It is said to have come about because a strong armed man lifted a king from his slain horse onto his own horse in the course of battle during the 11th century. The rescuer was given the name Sir Strong Arm, which became Armstrong.
The Armstrong Clan is a huge group and have formal gatherings every second year in the summer in Dumfriesshire, Scotland. The Armstrong Clan has grown in numbers, and have their own blue/green tartan accented with red lines.The Armstrong motto is “Invictus maneo”. This means “I remain unvanqished”. Presently,there is no Clan chieftain,and the many Armstrong’s are found all around the world.
Popularity
The name Armstrong was not in the top 100 Scottish baby boys’ names (2012).
Famous People Called Armstrong
Some of the most famous are Neil Armstrong, who was the first man on the moon, and Lance Armstrong, the well known cyclist. It is a name that inspires pride and daring.
The name Clyde may not be the most popular Scottish name for boys (coming in as the 509th most popular name in Scotland in the year 2012 according to census data), but it is still going fairly strong. Taken from a river in Scotland, the Gaelic name is Cluaidh, the meaning of Clyde in Welsh “warm,” but another accurate translation might be “powerful; as if heard from a long way off.”
Famous People Called Clyde
While Clyde’s popularity might not be on par with other names, it has had its share of famous bearers over the years. Clyde McPhatter, a famous rock and roll and rhythm and blues artist (possibly the most influential artist in these genres in the 1950s and 1960s) is one name that many genre lovers may think of when they hear the name Clyde. Perhaps the most infamous Clyde is Clyde Barrow, one half of the bank-robbing duo of Bonnie and Clyde. Another American Clyde and his partner were eventually gunned down by American law enforcement, but only after they’d managed to capture the imagination of the country along with winning a few hearts despite their brutal crimes and occasionally vicious actions.
The name Fergus is a Gaelic name, that lies historically in both Scottish and Irish lore. The meaning of Fergus is “man of force”, and therefore was known to conjure up images of strength. Steadily over the past decade, the name has fallen in usage since 1997, though it’s likely to rise in popularity yet again.
Used more commonly as a surname, and derived from the name Fergus, is Fergusson, literally meaning “son of Fergus” and those in the West Highlands of Scotland are supposedly descended from Fergus Mor MacErc, a King of Dalriada, one of the first of the Scots from Ireland to settle in Argyll.
Popularity
Fergus was the 132nd most popular baby boy’s name in Scotland in 2012 (Scottish Government Statistics).
People with the Name Fergus
Pop Culture references to the name Fergus can be found in the 1956 Movie “The Court Jester” with the character Fergus, the Ostler (meaning horse handler). Another movie reference is from the “Shrek” franchise, one of his triplets is named Fergus.
Famous People named Fergus are few, but there is Fergus Matthew Andrew Thomson, Scottish Pro Rugby player, and Fergus O’Dowd Irish Fine Gael politician.
