Origin of the Name Hamish
Hamish is a popular Scottish first name with strong Gaelic origins. Derived from the Scottish Gaelic name “Aonghas,” it translates to “single choice” or “one-born.” This name often signifies a unique or special child.
The English version of the Hamish name is James. Hamish is usually a masculine name. While researching the name Hamish there appear to be no feminine versions. The name Hamish has origins in the Scottish Gaelic name of Seamus.
Meaning
The meaning of Hamish is supplanter; representative. Supplanter means the replacer which explains why it can mean representative also.
Popularity
Hamish has enjoyed a surge in popularity in recent decades, particularly in English-speaking countries. Its charming sound and connection to Scottish heritage have made it a popular choice for parents seeking a distinctive name.
The popularity of the boy’s name Hamish was ranked 61st in popularity in Scotland in 2023.
In the United States, the name Hamish is not popular at all and it was not on the list of top 100 names as of the 2000 Census. However, its English version, James, is number 1 out of 1220.
Famous People with the Name
While there are not that many people named Hamish in today’s world there are a couple famous characters named Hamish:
- Hamish Alexander in the novel Honorverse by David Weber
- Hamish Campbell in the movie Braveheart
- John Hamish Watson (also well known as Dr. Watson) of Sherlock Holmes fame.
- Hamish McHamish, a cat made famous from the book
- Hamish Macdonald: A Scottish singer-songwriter known for his traditional Scottish music.
- Hamish Linklater: An American actor who has appeared in numerous films and television shows.
- Hamish Ogilvy: A Scottish rugby union player who represented Scotland at the international level.
Summary
Hamish remains a popular and timeless name, often associated with qualities such as warmth, friendliness, and a love of tradition. Its Scottish roots and enduring appeal make it a popular choice for parents looking for a name with a sense of history and character.
Useful Resources
- Check out the meaning and popularity of other Scottish boys’ names