Scottish names have a rich history which explains why they continue to resonate with American parents today.
There are many authentic Scottish names that are still attractive to the American ear.(Image: Getty)
Scottish names are capturing hearts across America, with parents drawn to their lyrical beauty, deep history, and timeless traditions.
TV shows like Outlander and epic award-winning films like Braveheart have drawn attention to certain monikers in this part of the world, and it is no surprise that US parents are lapping them up.
If you’re wondering how popular Scottish titles are over there, video game asset marketplace Chicks Gold used data from the US Social Security Administration to discover the top ten Scottish baby boy and girl names in America.
“Scottish names have a powerful and unique ability to combine rich and ancient history, culture and versatile beauty, which explains why so many resonate with American parents today,” Al Alof, CEO of Chicks Gold, said.
“From names tied to Scotland’s landscapes to those rooted in clan heritage or Gaelic etymology, Scottish names offer both a depth of meaning and timeless style that are unmatchable.
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“It’s inspiring to see these names taking on new life in the US while carrying their Scottish identity with pride.”
Read on to see what US mothers-and-fathers-to-be are opting for when it comes to a good Celtic title.
Top 10 Scottish baby girl names in the US
Certain names of course take the lead in popularity but more unique names are certainly not to be glossed over.(Image: Getty)1. Isla (5367 baby girls)
Isla is officially the most popular Scottish baby girl name in the US, with 5367 baby girls given the name in 2024 in the US. ‘Isla’ derives from the beautiful Scottish island of Islay, which is know for its striking landscapes. With deep cultural significance, Isla is a name with a deep sense of place, as well as a graceful and elegant air to it.
2. Paisley (3542 baby girls)
Paisley is the second most popular Scottish baby girl name in America, with 3542 baby girls called Paisley in 2024. Paisley comes from the historic town near Glasgow, internationally famous for the ornate paisley textile pattern that spread worldwide in the 19th century, often marked with deep and rich colour tones.
3. Maisie (1241 baby girls)
Maisie is a traditional Scottish diminutive of Margaret, a name that has been deeply rooted in Scotland for centuries, including as a royal name. Margaret itself comes from the Greek margarites, meaning “pearl,” giving Maisie a sense of luminous beauty and ornate elegance, as well as an affectionate tone.
4. Rory (1102 baby girls)
Rory comes from the Gaelic Ruairidh, meaning ‘red king’. A powerful name, associated with strength and leadership, it is a well known unisex name in the US, also a popular choice for fans of the hit show Gilmore Girls.
5. Fiona (782 baby girls)
Fiona is a very popular Scottish name, first made famous by writer William Sharp, who used the pen name Fiona Macleod in his works in the 19th Century. From the Gaelic word fionn , meaning “fair” or “white,” Fiona forges a strong link with Scotland’s cultural and linguistic heritage.
6. Bonnie (703 baby girls)
A charming name, Bonnie comes directly from the Scots language, where it means “pretty” or “attractive”.
7. Skye (642 baby girls)
Skye derives from the Isle of Skye, one of Scotland’s most celebrated and stunning islands, famous for its rugged mountains and rich cultural history.
8. Flora and Davina (452 baby girls)
Flora is closely associated with Flora MacDonald, the 18th-century Scottish heroine who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie evade capture after the Battle of Culloden. Flora – meaning ‘flower’ – also evokes the beauty of nature.
Davina is the feminine form of David, and has been a name used in Scottish families for centuries, symbolising the strength and devotion of the biblical King David.
9. Kenna (388 baby girls)
Kenna is a royal name with a rich Scottish tradition. Kenna has its roots in the Gaelic name Cináed or Kenneth, which has been given to some of the most famous Scottish kings and clan leaders of history. It means “born of fire”, a perfect name for any parent wishing to inspire their daughter towards strength and self-belief.
10. Agnes (233 baby girls)
Agnes, meaning “pure” or “holy”, became one of Scotland’s most historically famous names during the Middle Ages. Scottish historical records show frequent use of the name among both noble families and everyday Scots from the 12th Century onward including Lady Agnes Randolph, notable defender of Dunbar Castle in the 14th century.
Top 10 Scottish baby boy names in the US
Scottish names are famed the world over for being full of history and cultural beauty(Image: Getty)1. Logan (6267 baby boys)
Logan is the most popular Scottish baby boy name in the US, with 6267 baby boys called Logan in 2024. Logan was originally a Scottish surname that derived from the Gaelic lagan , meaning “little hollow,” and was first recorded as a place name in Ayrshire, Scotland.
2. Cameron (4817 baby boys)
Cameron is the second most popular Scottish baby boy name in the US, with 4817 baby boys given the name in 2024. Cameron is a famous Scottish clan name with deep roots in the Highlands.
3. Ian (4547 baby boys)
Ian, the Scottish Gaelic form of John, has been a beloved name in Scotland for centuries.
4. Graham (2789 baby boys)
Graham is a powerful name, associated with one of Scotland’s most influential clans – the Grahams – who played a key role in Scottish military and political history.
5. Callum (2258 baby boys)
Callum comes from the Gaelic Columba, a name tied to St. Columba, the Irish saint who established Christianity in Scotland in the 6th century. The name has an evocative religious significance, as well as deep Scottish cultural roots.
6. Brody (1608 baby boys)
Brody is a powerful place name, originating from Moray in Scotland, known for its stunning coastal towns, castles and cathedrals.
7. Lennox (1320 baby boys)
Lennox comes from a district in southern Scotland, originally meaning “elm grove.” It became associated with the Earls of Lennox, an influential family in Scottish history, and carries the power and prestige of a noble lineage.
8. Finley (1153 baby boys)
Finley is derived from the Gaelic Fionnlagh, meaning “fair warrior,” a name carried by figures in early Scottish history. It combines physical description with a sense of strength, typical of Gaelic naming traditions. Finley’s longevity shows its enduring Scottish appeal.
9. Malcolm (1088 baby boys)
Malcolm means “devotee of St. Columba” and has been borne by several Scottish kings, including Malcolm III, who helped shape medieval Scotland. Its royal connections give it a strong sense of authority and tradition. Malcolm remains one of the most historically significant Scottish names.
10. Colin (1035) baby boys
Colin is a Scottish form of Cailean , a Gaelic name meaning “young pup” or “whelp,” which was often used in Highland families. It has been in use for centuries, appearing in clan histories and records.