18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
14 unique Scottish baby names that you don't see much these days
From Brochan to Ardis, all of these are underrated.
It is hardly a secret that there is a seemingly limitless supply of beautiful Scottish baby names. If you are looking for a traditional name for your young one, you are spoiled for choice.
Everybody has their own preferences when it comes to names. Many prefer to stick with the classics such as Rory and Olivia.
However, there is nothing wrong with wanting your baby to have a name that is a bit more distinctive. Thankfully, there are plenty of lesser-known monikers out there that are both unique and traditional.
The Daily Record has rounded up 14 amazing Scots baby names that you don't see so often anymore. Whether you are looking for a strong-sounding name like Brochan, or a more delicate pick such as Gardenia, this list is sure to provide some inspiration.
Read on for 14 unique Scottish baby names that you don't see much these days, as well as their origins and meanings.
1. Leathan
Leathan is a strong-sounding name that has both Gaelic and Anglo-Saxon origins. It can either mean 'broad' or 'wide', or 'of the river'.
If you are looking for a name for your baby boy that invokes strength, this could be the one. Especially if you like the idea of having his name having a connection to water.
2. Fia
It is believed that the girls' name Fia has Scottish, Irish, and Latin origins. It has a number of potential meanings, from 'deer' to 'wilderness'.
Another possible meaning that makes Fia that extra bit unique is 'dark of peace'. If you want your baby girl to be able to find inner peace in even the darkest moments, the name Fia will set her up greatly.
3. Brochan
While many of the names on this list have beautiful meanings connected to the natural world, this one's origins are a bit more modest. The boys' name Brochan comes from the Gaelic word, which simply means 'porridge'.
It is believed that Brochan first became a popular pick as a baby name following the popularity of the Scottish Gaelic song 'Brochan Lom'. As you might have guessed, the nonsense song is all about porridge.
4. Lilias
Both Scottish and Latin in origin, Lilias is a diminutive form of the girls' name Lily. It is an ideal choice for anybody looking for a flower-inspired name, but with an added Scottish flair.
The name Lilias means 'oath of God' and 'God is satisfaction'. It has connotations of purity, innocence, and renewal.
5. Kenna
Kenna is a tough-sounding girls' name that has Gaelic origins. It is the feminine form of the more-popular boys' name Kenneth.
Kenna means 'fire-born' or 'handsome'. This makes it the ideal choice if you are looking for a punchy or fiery-name to give your little girl.
6. Camdan
Sounding somewhat similar to the popular boys' name Cameron, Camdan is a gender-neutral name that is a variation of the name Camden. It means 'from the winding valley', and there are plenty of those in Scotland.
The name Camdan is generally associated with the traits of strength, power, and resilience. This makes it a perfect choice for any Scottish boy or girl.
7. Lundie
The lovely boys' name Lundy has both Scottish and Scandinavian roots. You may also occasionally see it spelled Lundy.
Lundie is often believed to mean 'little marsh' or 'grove'. However, it may also be derived from the small settlement of the same name in Angus.
8. Williamina
As you might have guessed, this is a rare form of the boys' name William. English and Scottish in origin, it means 'resolute protector' or 'strong-willed warrior'.
Williamina is another great choice for a strong-willed baby girl. If you had your heart set on the name William, it is also a good compromise.
9. Struan
It is hard to think of a more traditional Scottish-sounding name than Struan. It is the anglicised form of the Gaelic word 'sruthan'.
Struan translates to 'small stream' or 'the flow where a spring appears'. It is also thought to come from the village of the same name on the Isle of Skye, which is a great inspiration in its own right.
10. Rosse
Rosse is a lovely gender-neutral name that brings to mind a moor or heath. Originally a surname, it is believed to date back to Medieval times.
The name comes from the Gaelic word 'ros'. This in turn means 'promontory' or 'headland'.
11. Ardis
Irish and Scottish in origin, Ardis is a wonderful unconventional name for a Scottish baby girl. It is another form of the name Ardyce.
Pronounced 'AR-diss', Ardis means 'fervent' or 'blooming meadow'. It has connotations of dignity, grace, and beauty.
12. Bonnibel
Bonnibel is a unique form of the name Bonnie, which is one of the most popular girls' names in Scotland. Just like with that name, it brings to mind a beloved baby girl who lights up the room.
As with Bonnie, Bonnibel means 'cheerful', 'beautiful', and 'good'. It is hard to imagine a more perfect meaning for a newborn than that.
13. Eion
Not to be confused with Eoin or Ewan, Eion is a Scottish form of the popular name John. It is also considered by some to be a variant of the name Ian.
Originally deriving from the Greek boys' name Eon, Eion means 'God is gracious'. Even if you don't consider yourself religious, it is a wonderful and unique name for a baby boy.
14. Gardenia
This one immediately brings to mind a green garden with colourful plants. Unsurprisingly, the Scottish girls' name means 'flower'.
More uncommon than classic garden-inspired names such as Rose and Lily, Gardenia is perfect for those looking for a one-of-a-kind moniker that still has a lovely and sunny meaning. It has connotations of beauty and fragrance.
