Scottish names are making an appearance not only in Scotland but all over the world. These are some funny Scottish boys names that are becoming popular to name a baby boy.
Funny Scottish Boys’ Names
Balgair – This name means fox. This can mean that the boy is going to be smart like a fox or even attractive.
Ailbeart – This is the Gaelic form of the name Albert. It will take a name and add a different spin on it.
Hamish – This is the Scottish name for James. It takes a common name and makes it stand out.
Doughall – This is a form of the name Dougal and is something a little different.
Kirk– This is the name given to someone that will live near a church. It does not give an exact distance from the church.
These names will put a new spin on some classic names making them unique and funny.
A masculine name pronounced TYEH-ar-ləkh, the name Tearlach is a variant of the English name Charles and the Gaelic name Toirdhealbhach. A popular meaning of Tearlach is “strong”. Other meanings include manly, strong, vigorous, and army. Much like the name’s English counterpart, Charles, it can also mean free man.
Tearlach means strong
Popularity
As more people go with the variant Charles, it is a very uncommon name to hear now. According to the latest statistics from the Scottish government, Tearlach was not in the top 100 popular boy names in Scotland in 2019. Also, it was not ranked in the top 1000 names between 1900 and 2018. The popularity of Tearlach seems to have reached its peak in the 1930s and has been gradually dropping since.
Famous People Called Tearlach
Famous people with variations of the name Tearlach include Irish poet Tarlach Rua Mac Dónaill and the piper Tarlach Mac Suibhne.
The name Sorley was taken from the Scottish Gaelic word Somhairle. The meaning of Sorley for the Irish and the Scottish is summer wanderer, but it also stands for summer sailor.
The Old Mc Sorley’s Old Ale House
Popularity
The popularity of Sorley is almost nonexistent right now as many people seem to not be fans of the name. It did not even rank the charts for popular baby names, especially in the United States.
Famous People with the Name
There are some popular people by the name of Sorley that should be mentioned though, and two of these are Sorley Boy MacDonnell and Sorley MacLean.
Sorley Boy MacDonnell was a Scoto-Irish prince as well as chief. He was best down fro establishing the MacDonnell clan in Antrim, and he resisted the campaign of Shane O’Neill. He also resisted the campaign of the English crown expelling the clan from Ireland.
Sorley MacLean was a Scottish Gaelic poet that is extremely popular in the modern era. Sorley music is a very unique sound that mixes infectious grooves, acute vocal hooks, and tantalising bass riffs.
The name Willy has a long history. It can be short for William, but can also stand by itself. The meaning of Willy is ‘Resolute Protector’, a strong masculine trait. In 2012 only 25 baby boys in the United States were named Willy.
Popularity
The popularity of Willy has never been high, making the name unique. This name was not in the top 100 baby boys’ names in Scotland in 2018. However, William was in the 33rd most popular boys’ name.
Famous People with the Name Willy
Because the name is not used very often, the number of famous Willys is limited. But there are a few. Willy Russell is a well known British actor and composer. Willy William is a French DJ, singer and composer, who had a major hit with his song “Ego” in 2016. Willy Brandt was Chancellor of Germany and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. And Willy Ley is a famous American science writer.
Gene Wilder played Willy Wonka in the popular 1970’s film
In the world of fiction, we all know Willy Wonka, a character by Roald Dahl and Willy, the orca whale from the movie “Free Willy”.
The Willy family has lived in the mountains in western Scotland and on the Hebrides Islands for centuries. From there they have emigrated to Canada and America in the 17th and 18th centuries, adding Scottish lore, fiery tempers and courage to the melting pots of the world.
The name Ailean is Scotish and means “rock” and “handsome”.
The popularity of the Name
It is a boy name that wasn’t very popular in Scotland in 2016. The popularity of Ailean was low enough that it didn’t make it to the top 100 baby names list. But, it is a simple sounding and good looking name with a great meaning. The meaning of Ailean is simple and appropriate for any baby boy.
Famous People with the Name Ailean
The name Ailean has been used a few times in Scotish history, including for Ailean mac Ruaidhri, who was a leading figure in the thirteenth century. And Ailean Macclean is a notable 16th-century fictional character.
Why Choose the Name for your Baby?
The boy name Ailean has been used throughout history and is a great name with history behind it. It is a name that Scotish people can be proud of because of how it has been used in the past. Ailean isn’t popular in modern times, but it is still recognisable and an easy name to love because of its simplicity.
Famous People with the Name Ailean
Discover the meaning and popularity of other Scottish boys names.
Popular Scottish Boys Names in 2016 come from consistent lists of Top Scottish Boys Names in 2016. Scotland is well-known for traditional values including the first names of Scottish born sons. Names of male Scots have been handed down from one generation to the next for centuries. That makes the list very unique as opposed to other countries whose list are ever-changing and more erratic. The National Records of Scotland for the year 2016, documented the number of male birth in that country. They concluded that there were 26,408 births of Scottish males that year. The following list is the most popular Scottish boy names for 2016.
Jack
James
Oliver
Lewis
Logan
Harry
Noah
Leo
Charlie
Alexander
Jack, James, Oliver and Lewis were the top four Scottish boys names. Logan, Harry and Noah consistently and alternately kept the in the ranks of 5th, 6th and 7th most popular Scottish boy names. Followed by Leo, Charlie and Alexander, placing 8th, 9th and 10th in the top 10 most popular Scottish boys names.
Roddy is a pet form of the name Roderick. Roddy is a simple Scottish boys name that was not one of the most popular names in 2015 in Scotland.
The popularity of Roddy was never too great, but the name was given to a few notable people. Roddy Doyle was one of those people, and he is an author who will long be remembered for his works, from novels to screenplays. Roddy Radiation is an American musician who is well known, and Roddy Piper was a Canadian wrestler and actor.
Meaning of Roddy
So, even though this is not a popular name, it was used as the first name of a few figures that people recognise. The meaning of Roddy is “famous power” and that is a special meaning.
This name is simple, yet it sounds good when it is spoken. It was used as the first name of a few famous people, and the name Roddy was a meaning that people will like, too. Fans of Roddy Doyle, Roddy Radiation, and Roddy Piper will especially love this unique baby boy name.
Scottish names for boys have changed considerably over the years. For many years baby names were chosen which had a direct connection to Christianity. However, trends in names have changed a great deal.
Top Scottish boys’ names in 2015 are names such as like Oliver, Alexander, Charles and jack. However, out of the names already mentioned it seems the top Scottish baby names for boys are Oliver, Charles, Logan Daniel and Noah. There is always some story behind how a name became so popular. For example, the name Noah of course is biblical and most people know the significance that Noah served throughout biblical times.
Between 2015-2016, the name Cameron gained considerable popularity within Scottish culture. Mason is also gaining popularity among baby boys with Scottish origin. At times, it may seem that first and last names are just about identical or very similar.
Mothers should name their children a name which the will be proud to carry throughout their whole life. Sometimes that is not always the case however, one thing is for sure modern names are here to stay. Popular Scottish names in 2015 for the most part are accepted in any culture or nationality.
It is a name tracing its roots from Biggar, which is a place in Lanarkshire. The meaning of Gladstone is a name from Old English made up of two words “gleoda” which means kite, and “stan” which means, stone. In addition an American version of this name does exist as, Glatshteyn. This version of the name is a take-off of two Yiddish words “glat”, meaning flat, and “shteyn”, meaning stone.
The popularity of Gladstone
Two men with the name Gladstone that have brought honour and stone-like dedication to the name are Sir John Gladstone, first Baronet, and Sir William Gladstone, seventh Baronet.
Sir John Gladstone was a Member of Parliament from 1818 to 1827. In addition, he was a plantation owner before 1833, however, following the United Kingdom’s outlawing slavery Sir Gladstone found himself expelling over 2500 slaves. However, for the losses endured he was able to invoice the Slavery Commission for a mere 106,769 pounds (83 million pounds today’s value); this was the largest payout.
The name Gladstone is surely a name that shows leadership, and such is the case of Sir William Gladstone, 7th Baronet. Sir William Gladstone who saw action in the Royal Navy in World War II and by war’s end achieved the rank of Lieutenant. Sir William Gladstone would become seventh Baronet in 1968 (up on his father’s death), continued to teach until retirement in 1969. Sir William would be eventually knighted in 1999, and in doing so, increasing the popularity of Gladstone name.
When a new baby is being expected, the parents will spend a lot of time pondering over what to name him or her when they are born. There are many names that have become popular or are trendy like Cameron or Beckham. However, one name for a boy that is beginning to thrive in popularity is the name Ninian.
Meaning of Ninian
The meaning of Ninian is unknown. However, it’s origin is Celtic, Scottish and Irish. It has also had a Latin form of Niniavus and is very similar to the Welsh Nynniaw.
Popularity of the Name
Ninian was not in the 100 most popular popular baby boys’s name in Scotland in 2014 (latest stats from the Scottish Government).
Famous People with the Name
The most famous was St. Ninian of Galloway who was a Bishop and a missionary to Scotland. He is known to be the first major preacher of the Gospel for those who lived in Britain north of the Wall, which is what Scotland was called back in that day. He was also known to be responsible for many miracles and cures. Therefore, it has a very marvellous and spiritual history name Ninian.
Another famous Ninian was Ninian Edwards a Senator from the state of Illinois.
The name Gus is a diminutive of the Latin Augustus and predominately associated as a boy’s name. The meaning of Gus is mostly derived from the Latin base which carries the meaning “worthy of respect.” The meaning of Gus can also include “majestic.”
Though generally a nickname, the name Gus is at times given independently. It is also a shortened version of a variety of names including the popular Scottish names Angus and Fergus. Based on Scottish birth statistics from 2013, Angus ranked 85th while Fergus ranked 120th. The name Gus is considered fairly uncommon from a global perspective, though some variants such as Gustav maintain a level of popularity in some countries.
The popularity of Gus as a name depends greatly on which name variant is in use. Some versions such as August and Augustus have tended to be on the rise. Angus has remained fairly stable when it comes to its popularity in Scotland.
Famous People Called Gus
Famous persons with the name include Gus Grissom, Gus Poyet, and Baron Gus O’Donnell.
Another Interesting Fact
Though it would be considered quite rare, Gus at times is used as a girl’s name, normally as a shortened version of the name Augustine
Useful Resources
Discover the meaning and popularity of other male names on this website
In Scotland, the name Jock is one that is among the most loved boys’ names. The name Jock is a form of the name John.
The exact meaning of Jock is ‘god is gracious’. Scots have been known to use the surname as one that describes a person who is very athletic and is heavily involved in sports. Jock is also known as being a slang term that people used to describe a Scottish soldier as well.
Alternate forms of the name Jock is Jockie or Jockey.
Popularity of Jock
The name Jock was the 680th most popular boy’s name in Scotland in 2014 according to figures released by the Scottish Government.
Famous People with the Name
The popularity of Jock as a name in Scotland is certainly one that can be tied to some of the famous people who have that as their name. Some famous Scottish men and others from the United Kingdom who have the name are the Open Championship and PGA Championship winning golfer Jock Hutchison, the Australian cricket player who played most of his career in England in Jock Livingston, and the cartoon illustrator Mark Simpson who goes by the one name moniker of Jock.
Other famous sporting starts are included below:
Jock Stein, was a Scottish football player and manager. He played for the football team Celtic and Llanelli Town.
Jock Cameron was a South African cricket player, who in his day was one of the best wicket keepers in the world
The Scottish name Balfour was taken from the barony of the same name and is first found in recorded history in 1304. The spelling of the name has undergone some changes through the centuries, a common occurrence with many names from this time period. Alternate spellings include Balfure and Balfoure as well as a dozen others which have been recorded over time.
Meaning of Balfour
The name has several meanings, typically broken down to mean “village”, “pasture” or “field”. The motto of the Balfour clan is Fordward, or forward, and the family crest is of an arm holding a baton. The clan is autonomous with no clan chief at this time.
Popularity
Balfour is not a common 1st name and was not in the top 500 Scottish boys’ names in 2013.
People with the Name
There have been numerous notable people with the Balfour surname over time including actors, clergy and scientists. Arthur Balfour was the prime minister of great Britain from 1902 to 1905. The Balfour Declaration of 1926 was named in honour of him. It declared that each country within the British Empire was independent, yet retained an allegiance to the crown.
Useful Resources
Discover the meaning and popularity of other boy’s names 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 Corey name is one of the most popular Scottish boy’s names with its popular being in the 95th place (in 2013). The popularity of Corey as a name has a lot to do with it being a traditional Scottish name, and it being a name that is commonly passed down through the family. Corey has roots in Scottish heritage, and it is a name that is acceptable for both adults and children. The name Corey is also a girl’s name, and it is a family name that is popular in Scotland.
Meaning of the Name Corey
The meaning of the name Corey loosely translates to “seething pool”. This may refer to a tidal pool, or to a temporary body of water. The meaning of Corey is commonly associated with the German family name Godfrey, which translates to mean “God-Peace”. There are a number alternate spellings of the name Corey. This includes spelling it with a “K”, or adding an extra “R” to the name. Corey is sometimes spelled with two “E”s in place of a “Y”.
Famous People with the Name
There are a number of famous persons named Corey. This includes Corey Scott Feldman who was in the movie “Goonies”, and Corey Nakatani who is an American racing Jockey.
Useful Resources
See other Scottish boys’ names like Corey on our website
