Scottish Surnames Or Last Names With Meanings (Popular)

Scottish surnames have a variety of origins that distinguish them from other surnames.

After the Normans introduced them in 1066, Scottish surnames began to be used on occasion between the 10th and 12th centuries. However, usage increased between the 18th and 19th centuries. The origins of Scottish surnames vary according to ethnic, habitational, topographical, occupational, and patronymic factors. In this context, patronymic refers to a name inherited from the father or a male ancestor. Some of these surnames are thought to be the names of clans of powerful Scottish families who once ruled the territory. The list of their surnames can be found in the Scottish government’s National Records of Scotland (1). In this post, we’ve compiled a list of the most common Scottish surnames and their meanings. Continue to scroll down.

Popular Scottish Surnames and Last Names

1. Abercrombie

This Scottish surname is derived from Abercrombie, a town in Fife, Scotland. Abercrombie refers to the’mouth of the bendy river’ or the ‘confluence of rivers at a bend.’

2. Aitken

Aitken is a popular Scottish surname with a patronymic origin derived from the name Adam. Adam is a Hebrew word that means “man.”

3. Alexander

A Scottish surname that is equally popular in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Germany. Alexander is a Greek word that means “protector/defender of mankind.” The surname is derived from the Greek word ‘Alexandros,’ which means ‘to protect man’ or ‘to defend man.’

4. Allan/Allen

The name is most likely derived from the Old Gaelic word ‘ail,’ which means ‘rock.’ ‘Allan’ or ‘Allen’ most likely means ‘little rock.’ Another interpretation of the name is ‘handsome.’

5. Anderson

Anderson is a patronymic name meaning “son of Andrew.” Andrew is a name derived from the Greek name Andreas, which means “manly” or “masculine.”

Fast fact

Anderson is also spelled Andersonne, Andersoun, Andirsoone, Andresoun, Androson, Andirston, Andresson, Andrewson, and Andresen.

6. Archie

Archie is a shortened version of the name Archibald, which means either “holy prince” or “bold prince.”

7. Arthur

The name is derived from the Old Celtic elements ‘artos,’ which means ‘bear,’ and ‘viros,’ which means ‘king.’ The name could have referred to a powerful king or a man with the strength of a bear.

 

8. Auchter

Auchter is a habitational name derived from a few places in Scotland called Auchter. The name may also be a toponym derived from the Gaelic word ‘uachdar,’ which means ‘upland.’

9. Barclay

Barclay is a habitational name that means “birch wood” in Old English. The surname could also be toponymic, referring to someone who was born in the town of Berkeley in the English county of Gloucestershire.

Trivia

Andy Barclay, the protagonist of the Child’s Play horror film series, has the surname Barclay.

10. Bell

It comes from the Middle English word ‘belle,’ which means bell. The surname was derived from the occupation of a bell ringer or bell maker. It could also be a nickname for someone who lived near the town bell.

11. Black

It comes from the Middle English word “blake.” The name most likely referred to people with dark skin or dark hair. The name could also be an occupational designation for those who made black dye.

12. Blackwood

Blackwood is a Scottish and English surname that is a habitational name for someone from one of the several places in Scotland called Blackwood. The surname is derived from the Old English word ‘blake wudu,’ which means ‘dark wood.’

13. Boyce

The name comes from the Old French word “bois,” which means “wood.” The name is most likely a toponymic reference to someone who lived near the woods, which is near a forest.

14. Bran

The surname Bran comes from the Gaelic word ‘bran’ meaning a ‘raven.’

15. Braid

The surname has a habitational origin and refers to those who originally belonged to a place called Braid in South Edinburgh, Scotland.

16. Brown

Brown is a popular Scottish and English surname. Brown was most likely a byname or nickname for someone with a dark reddish complexion or brown hair.

17. Burns

It is a toponymic name for someone who lives near a stream. The name is most likely derived from the Old English word ‘burne,’ which means’stream.’

18. Butchart

Butchart is an Anglo-Saxon surname derived from the personal name ‘Burgheard.’ This name is a combination of the Old English words burgh, which means fortress, and heard, which means brave.

19. Cameron

The name comes from the Gaelic phrase ‘cam sron,’ which means ‘crooked nose.’ The name would be a nickname for someone who has a crooked or broken nose.

20. Campbell

The Scottish surname comes from the Gaelic phrase ‘cam beul,’ which means ‘crooked mouth.’ The name was probably a nickname for someone who had a wry or crooked smile.

Fast fact

Clan Campbell was once one of the largest and most powerful Highland clans.

21. Cairns

It comes from the Gaelic word cairn, which means a heap of rough stones raised as a landmark or memorial. The name is a toponym that refers to those who lived near a cairn.

22. Christie

The Scottish surname Christie is a patronymic name that means’son of Christopher’ or ‘Christ bearing.’

23. Craig

Craig is a surname derived from the Gaelic word ‘creag,’ which means ‘crag’ or ‘rock.’ The name likely referred to those who lived at a crag, a projection of a rocky hill.

24. Crawford

It is derived from a combination of two Old English words: crawa, which means “crow,” and ford, which means “river crossing.” The name is also toponymic, referring to someone from any of the Crawford towns in Scotland and England.

25. Cunningham

It is a toponymic name for someone who came from the Scottish town of Cunningham. The name is most likely derived from the Gaelic word ‘cuinneag,’ which means “milk pail.”

26. Davidson

It is a patronymic name meaning “son of David.” In Hebrew, the name David means ‘beloved,’ so Davidson could also mean ‘beloved son.’

27. Dickson

It is a patronymic name that translates as “son of Dick.” Dick is a diminutive of Richard, which means “brave ruler.”

28. Docherty

The Scottish spelling of the Irish surname Doherty. The surname Doherty is derived from the Gaelic word ‘Dochartach,’ which means’stern’ or ‘hurtful.’ The name was almost certainly a nickname.

29. Donaldson

It is a patronymic name that means “son of Donald.” Donald is derived from the Old Gaelic name “Domhnall,” which means “ruler of the world.”

30. Duncan

It is a surname from Ireland and Scotland. Duncan is derived from the Old Gaelic personal name ‘Donnchadh,’ which is made up of the Gaelic words ‘donn’ (brown) and ‘cath’ (battle). The name most likely referred to a warrior with dark hair.

31. Dunsmore

It is a toponymic name that refers to someone from the long-forgotten Scottish town of Dunsmore or Dundemore.

32. Elgin

It is a toponymic name for someone who was born in the Scottish town of Elgin in the Moray region.

33. Falconer/Faulkner

It is a Middle English term that means “falcon-keeper.” The surname has an occupational origin, and it was given to people who owned and trained falcons.

34. Falla

It is a toponymic name for someone from Fala, a town in Scotland’s Midlothian council area.

35. Ferguson

Ferguson is a patronymic name that means “son of Fergus.” Fergus is derived from the Gaelic word ‘Fearghas,’ which consists of the Gaelic elements ‘fear’ for’man’ and ‘gus’ for ‘vigor.’

36. Findlay

It is a variant of the Old Gaelic name Fionnlagh, which combines the Gaelic elements ‘fionn’ (white or fair) and ‘laogh’ (warrior or hero). As a result, the surname originally referred to a light-skinned warrior.

37. Fowler

It is an occupational surname for someone who worked as a fowl keeper or birdcatcher. The name is most likely derived from the Old English word ‘fugelere,’ which means birdcatcher.

38. Forbes

It is a toponymic name referring to someone from Forbes, a town near Aberdeen in Scotland. Forbes is derived from the Gaelic word ‘Forba,’ which means ‘field.’

39. Gibson

It is a patronymic name meaning “son of Gib.” The name Gib is a diminutive of Gilbert, which is derived from Old German and means ‘bright pledge.’

40. Gilchrist

It is derived from the Old Gaelic phrase giolla Chriost, which means ‘Christ’s servant.’

41. Gilmore

Gilmore is the Anglicized form of the Gaelic name ‘Mac Gille Mhoire’ or ‘Mac Giolla Mhuire,’ which means’servant of (the Virgin) Mary’ in Scotland.

42. Gordon

It is a toponymic name for someone from Gordon, a town in the Scottish county of Berwickshire. Gordon is derived from the Welsh elements ‘gor’ (large or spacious) and ‘din’ (fort).

Trivia

Aaron Gordan is a well-known bearer of the surname ‘Gordon.’ He is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Denver Nuggets in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

43. Gray

The name was most likely derived from English and was used as a nickname for someone who had a grey beard, hair, or clothes.

44. Graham

It is a toponymic name that refers to someone who was born in the English town of Grantham. Grantham is most likely derived from Old English and means ‘gravelly homestead.’

45. Grant

The name is most likely derived from the Norman-French word graunt or graund, which means large or tall. The surname was most likely a nickname for someone with a large build or a tall stature.

46. Hamilton

It is a toponymic surname referring to someone from one of the many places in the United Kingdom called Hamilton. The name Hamilton is derived from the Old English words ‘hamel’ (crooked) and ‘dun’ (hill).

47. Henderson

It translates as’son of Hendry or Henry.’ Hendry or Henry is derived from the Old German name ‘Heimirich,’ which means ‘ruler of the home.’

48. Hill

The surname is toponymic, meaning it was given to people who lived near or on a hill.

49. Hughes

It is derived from the name Hugh, which is derived from the Old Anglo-Norman name ‘Hug,’ which meant “heart,” “mind,” or “spirit.”

50. Innes

It is a toponymic name for someone descended from the Innes clan of Moray, a county in Scotland. The name Innes is derived from the Gaelic word ‘inis,’ which means ‘island.’

51. Jamieson

It is a surname that translates as “son of James.” The name James is derived from the Hebrew name ‘Yaaqov,’ which means supplanter or substitute.

52. Jack

It is a medieval-era variant of the name John, which is derived from the Hebrew name ‘Yochanan,’ which means ‘God is gracious.’

53. Johnston

It is a toponymic name for someone from the Scottish town of Johnstone. The surname is a combination of the Middle English words ‘John,’ which refers to someone named John, and ‘toun,’ which means ‘town.’

54. Jones

It’s an old spelling of the name John. The name John is derived from the Hebrew name ‘Yochanan,’ which means ‘God is gracious.’

55. Kendrick

It is the abbreviation for McKendrick, which is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic name ‘Mac Eanraig,’ which means’son of Henry.’ The name Henry is derived from the Old German name Heimirich, which means “ruler of the home.”

56. Kerr

It is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word ‘Kerr,’ which means ‘wet and rough ground.’ The name would have been toponymic, referring to people who lived near a body of water that was constantly wet.

57. Kelly

It is a toponymic name for someone from one of a few places in Scotland called Kelly. Kelly is most likely derived from the Cornish word ‘coille,’ which means ‘grove.’

58. Kenneth

The surname is derived from the Gaelic personal name ‘Coinneach,’ which means ‘handsome.’

59. Lawson

It’s a patronymic name that translates as “son of Laurence.” Laurence is derived from the Old Roman name ‘Laurentius,’ which means ‘from Laurentum,’ a city in Ancient Italy.

60. Leishman

It translates as’servant of Leish.’ The name Leish is a variant of the name ‘Gillis,’ which is a short form of the Gaelic name ‘Mac Gille Iosa,’ which means’son of Jesus’ servant.

61. McDonald’s/ McDonald’s

It is a patronymic name that translates as “son of Donald.” Donald is derived from the Gaelic name ‘Domhnall,’ which means ‘ruler of the world.’

Did you know that?

Clan Donald is one of the largest Scottish clans, and the various forms of the surname MacDonald refer to it.

62. Mackay

The surname ‘Mackay,’ which is common in Scotland and Northern Ireland, is derived from the Gaelic name ‘Mac Aodha,’ which means’son of Aodh.’ The name ‘Aodha’ or ‘Aodh’ means ‘fire’ in Old Gaelic.

63. Marshal

It is derived from the Old English word’mareschal,’ which is derived from the Old German elements’marah’ (horse) and’scalc’ (servant). Marshal was most likely a title given to a stable owner or someone who loved horses.

64. Martin

Martin derives from ‘Martinus,’ a Latin name derived from ‘Martis,’ the name of the Roman God of ‘Mars.’

65. McGregor

It is derived from the Gaelic name ‘Mac Griogair,’ which means’son of Griogar.’ ‘Griogar’ is derived from the personal name ‘Gregory,’ which is derived from the Old Greek name ‘Gregoros,’ which means ‘watchful’ or ‘alert.’

66. McIntyre

The surname McIntyre is derived from the Gaelic name ‘Mac an tSaoir,’ which means’son of a craftsman.’

67. McIntosh

It is the Anglicized form of the Gaelic name ‘Mac a Toisich,’ which translates as’son of the chief.’

68. McKenzie

The surname is derived from the Gaelic name ‘MacCoinnich,’ which means’son of Coinneach.’ The name Coinneach is derived from the Old Gaelic word ‘caoin,’ which means ‘handsome.’

69. McLean

McLean is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic name ‘Mac Giolla Eoin,’ which means’son of Eoin’s servant.’ Eoin is a variant of John, which is derived from the Hebrew name ‘Yochanan,’ which means ‘God is gracious.’

70. McLeod

It is derived from the Gaelic name ‘Mac Leoid,’ which means’son of Leod.’ The name Leod is derived from the Old Norse personal name ‘Ljotr,’ which means ‘ugly.’

71. McMillan

Mcmillan is derived from the Gaelic ‘Mac Maolain,’ a patronymic name derived from the surname ‘Maolan.’ This name derives from the Gaelic word’maol,’ which means bald.

72. Millar

It is a spelling variation of Miller, an occupational name for someone who worked as a miller or mill keeper.

73. Miller

Miller is an occupational term that refers to someone who worked as a miller, or someone who grinds grains for a living in a mill.

74. Milne

The name comes from the Middle English word’milne,’ which means mill. Milne is an occupational surname that would have referred to someone who worked as a miller.

75. Mitchell

The surname is derived from the personal name Michel, which is a colloquial form of Michael. Michael is derived from the Hebrew name ‘Mikhael,’ which means ‘who is like God.’

76. Morrison

It translates as “son of Morris.” Morris is a variant of Maurice, which derives from the Old Latin name ‘Maurus,’ which referred to someone with dark skin or who was swarthy.

77. Murray.

Murray is a toponymic name that refers to someone who was born in the Scottish town of Moray. Moray derives from the Celtic language and means “sea settlement.”

78. Muir

Muir is derived from the Middle English word ‘More,’ which refers to a ‘fen’ or a’moor.’ The name is toponymic, referring to people who lived on a moor.

79. Murphy

The surname Murphy is derived from the Gaelic ‘O Murchadha’ or ‘Mac Murchadha,’ both originating from the word ‘murcadh,’ which means ‘sea warrior.’

80. Napier

It is a Middle English occupational name that means ‘cloth keeper’ or ‘linen keeper’. The name derives from the Old French word ‘nappe,’ which means a tablecloth.

81. Owen

It comes from the Gaelic name ‘Mac Eoghain,’ which means’son of Eoghain.’ Eoghain is most likely a variant of Eugene, which derives from the Old Greek name ‘Eugenes,’ which means ‘well-born.’

82. Paterson

It’s a patronymic name that translates as “son of Patrick.” Patrick is derived from the Old Latin name Patricius, which means “nobleman.”

83. Reilly

A shortened form of the Gaelic name ‘O Raghailligh,’ which means ‘descendant of Raghailleach.’ Raghailleach is most likely of Irish origin.

84. Robertson

It means ‘Robert’s son.’ The name Robert is derived from the Old German name ‘Hrodebert,’ which means ‘bright fame,’ and refers to someone who was extremely popular or famous.

85. Ross

It is a toponymic name referring to someone from one of the many places in Scotland called Ross. The name Ross is derived from the Gaelic word ros, which refers to a headland or promontory, which is a rock that protrudes into the sea beyond the coastline.

86. Ritchie

Ritchie is an abbreviation for the personal name ‘Richard.’ Richard is an Old German name that means “brave ruler.”

87. Russel

Russel is derived from the Anglo-Norman French nickname ‘Rousel,’ which refers to someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion.

88. Shaw

The name is most likely derived from the Gaelic word’sithech,’ which means ‘wolf.’

89. Simpson

It translates as “Son of Sim.” Sim is a short form of Simon, which is derived from the Hebrew name ‘Shimon,’ which means ‘he has heard.’

90. Sinclair

It’s a toponymic surname that originally referred to people from the old Norman French town of Saint Clair. Clair is derived from the Late Latin name ‘Clarus,’ which means “pure,” “renowned,” or “illustrious.”

91. Taylor

A surname derived from the Old French word ‘tailleur,’ meaning tailor. This is an occupational surname for those who started out in the tailoring business.

92. Thomson/Thompson

It translates as “son of Thomas.” The name Thomas is derived from the Old Greek name ‘Taoma,’ which means ‘twin.’

93. Walker

‘Walker,’ a Scottish and English surname, has an occupational origin and refers to those who worked as fullers or are involved in fulling garments or clothes.

94. Watson

It is a patronymic name that translates as “son of Walter.” Walter is an Old German name that means “ruler of the army.” The name could have been derived from someone who worked as a military general.

95. Watt

Watt is a diminutive form of the name Walter derived from the Middle English birth name Wat or Watt. Walter is an Old German name that means “ruler of the army.”

96. White

It comes from the Middle English word whit, which means white. This surname would have been a nickname for someone with a pale complexion or white hair.

97. Wilson

It means ‘William’s son.’ William is derived from the Old German name ‘Willahelm,’ which means “willful protector” or “valiant guardian.”

98. Williamson

It means ‘William’s son.’ The name William comes from the Old German name ‘Willahelm’ that means ‘willful protector.’

99. Wood

It is a toponymic name derived from Old English for those who lived near a wood or forest. Those who worked as woodcutters would also have an occupational surname.

100. Wright

It is an occupational surname derived from the Old English word ‘wryhta,’ which means a wright or craftsman.

Questions and Answers

1. Why do Scottish surnames begin with Mc?

Mc and Mac are Gaelic prefixes that mean “son of.” This prefix is used by Scots to represent and identify a person’s parentage. By adding Mc or Mac to the father’s name, it may become a family name.

2. Is it possible to change your child’s surname in Scotland?

Until the age of 16, a parent or guardian can legally change a child’s surname. If the parents are married, both will be involved in this procedure. However, if the couple has separated, only the mother has the legal right to change a child’s name.

3. When did surnames become popular in Scotland?

In Scotland, surnames were first used by the upper classes in the 12th century. However, the need for surnames to differentiate between social groups grew. Around the 18th and 19th centuries, fixed surnames were popular.

Surnames or last names from Scotland have an interesting historical background. Toponymic surnames include Auchter, Craig, Elgin, Innes, and Wood, whereas patronymic surnames like Watson, Paterson, McMillan, and Ferguson are derived from the names of male ancestors. Some may derive from their ancestors’ occupational backgrounds as well. As an example, consider Bell, Faulkner, Miller, Taylor, or Wright. Surprisingly, these last names are Anglicized versions of popular Gaelic pet names. Some are gender-specific, while others can be applied to both sexes.

Topic: Scottish Surnames Or Last Names With Meanings (Popular)

Join the “I Left My Heart in Scotland” in Our Community on Facebook. A place where members can be honest with each other, share their stories and travel photos, and try out a new way to see Scotland together.

By: Travel Pixy