Is Your Surname Among the 10 Most Common in Scotland?

Some surnames, such as MacDonald, Campbell, and Fraser, immediately conjure up images of Scotland.

However, just because a name is associated with a country does not imply that it is the most common here.

Every surname has a story to tell, and each name in Scotland has a distinct history.

The National Records of Scotland has the most recent information on the surnames that appear most frequently in Scotland’s birth, marriage, and death registers dating back to 1975.

The data may not represent the surnames of the entire Scottish population because it includes non-residents who were born, married, or died in the country. Similarly, surnames of residents who were born, married, or died elsewhere are not included in the data.

Nonetheless, the data provides an intriguing glimpse into some of the most common last names in the country.

Continue reading for a complete list of the ten most common surnames in Scotland, as well as their origins, according to the National Records of Scotland. The complete list is available on the National Records of Scotland website.

See more: The History of Scottish Clans

10 Most Common Scottish Surnames – what they mean and where they came from

1. Smith

According to the National Records of Scotland, Smith is by far the most common surname in Scotland, with 2,719 occurrences. It is one of the most popular names in the English-speaking world, so it is not surprising to see it so frequently here.

It is a Scottish, English, and Irish term that refers to the historical occupation of smithing. Smithing was a very important role in the past, and there would have been a metal-worker in every settlement, explaining its

prominence.

2. Brown

Brown comes in second with 1,970 occurrences and, like Smith, is from Scotland, England, and Ireland.

Originally, the descriptive name was used to describe someone with brown hair, brown eyes, or who frequently dresses in brown.

3. Wilson

Wilson is the third most common surname in Scotland, with 1,886 people bearing the name. Its origins can be traced back to the Viking settlers who arrived in Scotland during the Middle Ages.

It comes from the phrase “son of Will,” which is a contraction of William, and is popular in both Scotland and England.

4. Robertson

According to the National Records of Scotland, Robertson ranks fourth with 1,796 occurrences. Although it originated in both Scotland and northern England, it is most common in Scotland.

It, like Wilson, derives from “son of Robert.” Robert was the name of three Scottish kings, including Robert the Bruce.

See more: 25 Famous Movies About Scotland That You Need to Watch 2023

5.  Campbell

With 1,749 recorded occurrences, Campbell is derived from the Scots Gaelic “caimbeul,” which consists of “cam” — which translates to crooked or distorted — and “beul,” which refers to the mouth.

Clan Campbell is a well-known and historically powerful Highland clan based in Argyll.

6. Stewart

According to the National Records of Scotland, there are 1,675 people in Scotland with the surname Stewart. The name is Scottish in origin, derived from the Gaelic ‘Stiùbhart’, which means steward.

7. Thomson

Thomson ranks seventh with 1,658 occurrences. Like Wilson and Robertson, is a patronymic surname that means “son of Thom”—short for Thomas.

8. Anderson

According to the National Records of Scotland, Anderson is the eighth most common surname in Scotland. It is derived once more from “Son of Ander/Andrew,” which means “man” or “manly.”

Its high prevalence in Scotland is most likely due to Saint Andrew being the country’s patron saint.

9. Scott

Scott ranks ninth with 1,194 occurrences. As the name implies, it refers to a Scotsman or someone who speaks Gaelic.

Clan Scott, descended from Uchtredus filius Scoti, was one of the most powerful Riding clans in the Scottish borders. Scott’s notable properties include Abbotsford House near Galashiels and Dalkeith Palace.

See more: Are Bagpipes Irish or Scottish? How did Bagpipes Become a Symbol of Scotland?

10. McDonald’s

McDonald rounds out the top ten with 1,146 occurrences. Given its close ties to Scotland, many people might have expected it to be higher on the list.

It comes from “children of Donald,” which translates to “world ruler.” Donald is another of Scotland’s largest clans, once controlling land in the west highlands and the Hebrides.

The most common surnames in Scotland in 2022 (on the National Records of Scotland website)

Topic: Is Your Surname Among the 10 Most Common in Scotland?

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By: Travel Pixy