Aye there, fellow dog lovers! Ifyou're a proud dog owner, then you know how important it is to give your pup the perfect name. Andwhat better way to celebrate your Scottish ancestry andlove forScottish culture, thanby giving your dog a traditionally Scottish name.
With its rugged landscapes andcenturies of fascinating andrich history, Scotland offers a wealth of inspiration whenit comes to finding the perfect Scottish dog name. Whetheryou're a die-hard Outlander fan orsimply love the idea of paying homage to your Scottish roots, there's a name out there that's perfect foryour pooch.
Inthis article, we'll dive into the origins of the most popular names among dog owners inScotland, andlook athow your pup's name can pay tribute to the unique beauty of Scottish life. So, don your kilt laddies andlet's get started!
Female Scottish Dog Names foryour Wee Lassie
Are you the proud mom ordad of a beautiful Scotslady? Then look no further thanthis extensive list to find the ideal Scottish name. “Elizabeth” is a timeless classic with many options fornicknames, sowhy not go with the Gaelic “Elspeth” foran added touch of class anduniqueness?
| Ada |
| Aggie (Scottish form of Agnes orAgatha) |
| Aileen (scottish version of Eileen) |
| Ailish |
| Alice (Gaelic Name “Ailis”) |
| Bessie (Gaelic Name “Beasag”) |
| Bonnie |
| Bretta |
| Briar |
| Cait |
| Cassidy |
| Coira (means “seething pool”) |
| Curstaidh (Scottish version of Kirstie) |
| Deidra |
| Donella |
| Edith |
| Effie |
| Elspeth (Scottish form of Elizabeth) |
| Enya |
| Fae |
| Fenella |
| Fergie |
| Fifer |
| Finella |
| Gail |
| Greer |
| Iona |
| Isla |
| Jessie |
| Joan (female version of Scottish “John” or“Ian”) |
| Kenna (female version of Kenneth whichmeans “fire-born”) |
| Kenzie (short for“Mackenzie”) |
| Kerry |
| Maggie |
| Maisie |
| Molly |
| Morag |
| Nora |
| Rhona |
| Rona |
| Rose |
| Sheena (Scottish version of Jane) |
| Shona |
| Sloane |
| Tara |
| Teagan |
| Una |
| Wynda (means “narrow path”) |
Male Scottish Dog Names foryour Wee Laddie
Look no further forall the best Scottish boy dog names. We have you covered from A to Z! There are somany fantastic names to choose here, we can’t evensettle ona favorite.
| Acton (name means “from the oak tree settlement”) |
| Aidan (Gaelic Name “Aodhan”) |
| Alfred |
| Alistair |
| Angus |
| Archibald |
| Archie |
| Bagley |
| Bain |
| Blair |
| Blane |
| Boyd |
| Brodie |
| Caelan |
| Callum |
| Cameron (crooked nose) |
| Campbell (crooked mouth) |
| Channing |
| Clark |
| Connor |
| Conway |
| Dougal |
| Dougie |
| Douglas |
| Duncan |
| Fagan |
| Fergus |
| Fingal |
| Finlay (means “white warrior”) |
| Finn |
| Fintan |
| Fraser |
| Gallagher |
| Gavin |
| Gibbs |
| Gordon (after the Gordon Setter breed) |
| Gunn |
| Gus |
| Hamilton (Scottish clan name) |
| Ian (Scottish version of John) |
| Iver |
| Knox |
| Lachlan |
| Logan |
| Lyall |
| MacDonald (one of the famous clan names) |
| Mack |
| Mackay (one of the famous clan names) |
| Maxwell |
| Mulligan |
| Murdag |
| Murdoch (“Murdo” forshort) |
| Neil |
| Norman |
| Oscar |
| Oswald |
| Ralph |
| Ramsey |
| Reynold |
| Rorie |
| Rory |
| Scott |
| Shug (Scottish form of Hugh) |
| Sinclair |
| Stewart |
Funny Scottish Dog Names
Ifyou want a Scottish name with a bit of humor attached, the language of the Scots does not disappoint. From Gaelic to colloquial slang, there is an option forevery personality. We adore “McRuff” forsomething completely original.
| Alba | Gaelic forScotland |
| Bairn | baby |
| Bean | from “beathan” meaning life |
| Caledonia | Latin name forScotland |
| Canny | Slang fora smart person |
| Céilidh | traditional scottish dancing |
| Coorie | meaning “to cuddle” |
| Dafty | A foolish person |
| Dixie | Scottish word meaning “telling off” |
| Doonhamer | person from the town of Dumfries |
| Ealair | cheerful |
| Gallus | Scottish slang formischievous |
| Hogmanay | last day of the year |
| Kilt | kilt – knee length garment worn by men inthe Highlands |
| Laddie | Scottish term fora young man |
| Lassie | Scottish term fora young woman |
| MacWee | Scottish clan name |
| McRuff | play on“mc” surnames inScotland and“ruff” the sound a dog makes |
| Paisley | iconic pattern printed inthe town “Paisley” during the Industrial Revolution |
| Piper | forbagpipes |
| Plaid | |
| Quid | slang forthe pound sterling |
| Rae | timid |
| Rocket | slang forcrazy |
| Scooby | slang forclue |
| Scottie | a person from Scotland |
| Shoogly | shaky/giddy |
| Sterling | Scottish currency |
| Tammie | traditional bonnet worn by men |
| Tartan | forthe Tartan Army |
| Tavish | means “twin” |
| Totie | slang for“little” |
Dog Names Inspired Gaelic Words forAnimals
Choosing a dog name based onforeign language words foranimals is a growing trend. We love “Grumphie” fora pup thats a bit too obsessed with his food!
| Balgair | means “fox” |
| Cailean | Scottish Gaelic word for“young dog” |
| Conall | means “strong wolf” |
| Coo | cow |
| Corny | the unicorn is Scotland's national animal |
| Cuddie | horse |
| Doo | pigeon |
| Eachann | means “horse” |
| Gavenia | means “white hawk” |
| Grumphie | pig |
| Hoolet | owl |
| Hurch | hurcheon (hedgehog) |
| Madigan | means “little dog” |
| Madra | Gaelic word fordog |
| Mathan | bear |
| Mowdie | mole |
| Nathara | snake |
| Puddock | toad |
| Sheltie | Shetland Sheepdog |
| Tod | fox |
Unique Scottish Dog Names Inspired by Scotland’s Geography
This country has some of the most beautiful geography inthe world andis a great source of inspiration forScottish dog names.
| Aberdeen | city |
| Ailsa | One of the Scottish islands |
| Alloa | town |
| Andrew | St. Andrews is a town inEast Scotland (home of St. Andrews University) |
| Arabella | village inthe Scottish Highlands |
| Argyll | county |
| Arran | Isle of Arran |
| Ayr | town |
| Balmoral | Balmoral Castle – bought forQueen Victoria/family home of Queen Elizabeth |
| Cawdor | village anda castle |
| Clyde | River inGlasgow |
| Cuillin | mountain range |
| Dean | Dean Village – famous village inEdinburgh |
| Duart | castle |
| Duff | Duff House |
| Dundee | city |
| Edinburgh | the capital city, “Edin” forshort |
| Elgin | town |
| Embra | Scottish slang forEdinburgh |
| Falkland | town |
| Fara | One of the Scottish islands |
| Fyvie | village anda castle |
| Glam | Glamis Castle – birthplace of Princess Margaret |
| Glasgow | Scotland's largest city |
| Helensburgh | Village near Glasgow, “Helen” forshort |
| Inverness | Main city inthe Scottish Highlands |
| Islay | Scottish island |
| Jura | island |
| Katrine | freshwater loch |
| Kelso | market town |
| Kelvin | River inGlasgow |
| Kirkcaldy | Kirkcaldy – town – “Kirk” forshort |
| Leith | Water of Leith – main river inEdinburgh |
| Lomond | freshwater loch |
| Lossiemouth | Lossiemouth – town |
| Malin | Malin Sea – southwest of Scotland |
| Maree | Loch (lake) |
| Mey | Castle of Mey – was owned by the Queen Mother |
| Montrose | town |
| Moray | county |
| Munro | mountain with elevation of more than3000ft |
| Ness | freshwater loch |
| Orkney | archipelago |
| Papa | uninhabited island inthe Scalloway islands |
| Dunrobin | Dunrobin castle |
| Roslin | Village inEdinburgh |
| Shetland | islands |
| Skye | Isle of Skye |
| Stanraer | Stanraer – town |
| Stirling | Stirling Castle |
| Tay | longest river inthe Scottish Highlands |
| Tiree | island |
| Tobermory | Tobermory – burgh onthe Isle of Mull |
| Torridon | Village inthe Highlands |
| Troon | town |
| Tweed | river |
Dog Names Based onthe Scottish Words forColors
Choosing a dog name based oncolors is a great way to pay tribute to your pup's unique coat color. We love “Dubh” (pronounced “Duv”) fora wee little Scottie.
| Buidhe | yellow |
| Donn | brown |
| Dubh | black |
| Fiona | name means “white” |
| Geal | white |
| Glas | gray |
| Gorm | blue |
| Orains | orange |
| Pinc | pink |
| Purpaidh | purple |
| Ruadh | red |
| Uaine | green |
Dog Names Inspired by Scotland’s Popular Drinks
The land of whisky andale – there are somany brands of scotch to look to whentrying to find amazing Scottish dog names.
| Ale | another word forbeer |
| Ardbeg | Ardbeg whisky |
| Balvenie | whisky |
| Barley | originally all scotch was made from barley |
| Chivas | whisky |
| Cooper | craftsman whomakes barrels used to age whisky |
| Cragganmore | cragganmore – whisky |
| Dewar | Dewar whisky |
| Glenfiddich | whisky |
| Hoggie | cask used to mature whisky |
| Johnnie | Johnnie Walker |
| Macallan | whisky |
| Oban | whisky |
| Scotch | Scottish whisky |
| Talisker | whisky |
| Whisky | |
| Mead | honey based alcoholic drink |
| Whipkull | traditional drink made from egg yolk, sugar, rum andcream |
Scottish Dog Names Inspired by Scotland’s Cuisine
Food is a dominant part of Scottish culture andfull of some great ideas ifyou’re looking foran unusual dog name.
| Bridie | meat pastry |
| Chip | the British word for“fries” |
| Clapshot | also called neeps andtatties |
| Clootie Patootie | Clootie – dried fruit dumpling (play onsaying “Cutie Patootie”) |
| Cranachan | dessert |
| Cullen | cullen skink – thick Scottish soup |
| Dunlop | cheese |
| Haggis | traditional Scottish dish |
| Neep | Neeps andTatties – mashed potato andmashed swede orturnip |
| Shorty | shortbread |
| Skirlie Girlie | skirlie – savory oatmeal |
| Smokie | type of smoked haddock – from Arbroath |
| Stovie | dish of potatoes, onions, meat andfat |
| Tattie | Neeps andTatties – mashed potato andmashed swede orturnip |
| Tayberry | manmade fruit – mix between blackberries andraspberries |
Dog Names from Scottish History andFamous People
From Sean Connery to William Wallace, there is no shortage of legendary people to name your dogs after.
| Arthur | Arthur Conan Doyle – writer |
| Barrie | James Matthew Barrie – Peter Pan creator |
| Bell | Alexander Graham Bell – invented the telephone |
| Bobby | Greyfriars Bobby – guarded owner's grave for14yrs |
| Bruce | King Robert the Bruce |
| Burns | Robert Burns – poet |
| Conan | Sir Arthur Conan Doyle – writer |
| Connery | Sean Connery – actor |
| Connolly | Billy Connolly – actor |
| Elsie | Elsie Inglis – doctor andsuffragette |
| Ewan | Ewan McGregor |
| Flora | Flora MacDonald – helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape Scotland |
| George | George Buchanan – tutor to Mary Queen of Scots |
| Hume | David Hume – philosopher |
| Kevin | Kevin McKidd – actor |
| Lennox | Annie Lennox – singer |
| Logie | John Logie Baird – invented the TV |
| Lulu | pop singer andactress |
| Mackintosh | Charles Rennie Mackintosh – architect |
| Mary | Mary Queen of Scots |
| Rennie | Charles Rennie Mackintosh – architect |
| Rob Roy | legendary outlaw – Scottish Robin Hood |
| Wallace | William Wallace – Scottish knight |
| Walter | Walter Scott – writer |
| Welsh | Irvine Welsh – novelist |
Great Scottish Names from Movies, TV Shows andBooks
Pop culture asalways remains a favoured place to search fora beloved moniker foryour pet. We love “Braveheart” fora fearless pup.
| Braveheart | Braveheart |
| Broon | The Broons – comic |
| Corra | A discovery of witches |
| Freyja | A discovery of witches |
| Gallowglass | A discovery of witches |
| Hamish | A discovery of witches |
| Highlander | Highlander |
| Holmes | Sherlock Holmes |
| Hotshot | Beano (Hotshot Hamish) |
| Jock | Lady andthe Tramp |
| Lady MacDuff | Shakespeare's MacBeth |
| Lord MacDuff | Shakespeare's MacBeth |
| MacBeth | Shakespeare |
| Merida | Brave |
| Minerva | Minerva McGonagall – Harry Potter |
| Nesbitt | Rab. C. Nesbitt – comedy series |
| Scotty | Montgomery “Scotty” Scott – Star Trek |
| Sherlock | Sherlock Holmes |
| Shrek | Shrek franchise |
| Stoic the Vast | How to Train your Dragon |
| Tam Lin | fairy knight from legendary ballad |
| Toto | The Wizard of Oz |
| Willie | Groundskeeper Willie – The Simpsons |
| Wolfsbane | X-Men |
| Wullie | Oor Wullie Comics |
Dog Names with Origins inScottish Mythology
Is there a more Scottish name than“Ness” or“Nessie”?
| Kelpie | shapeshifting water spirit usually inthe form of a horse |
| Ness | loch ness monster |
| Nessie | legendary loch ness monster |
| Selkie | “seal folk” – beings whocan change from seal to human form |
| Willo | Will-o'-the-wisps – bog ormarsh spirits shaped like flames |
| Wulver | benevolent humanoid wolf – put fish onthe windowsills of poor families |
Exquisite Scottish Dog Names Inspired by Beautiful Nature
There are some beautiful Scottish dog names here inspired by the splendor of nature. We adore “Bramble” fora pupoy with an adventurous outdoor spirit.
| Ainsley | means “meadow” |
| Barclay | means “birch tree meadow” |
| Bramble | blackberry |
| Camden | means “winding valley” |
| Firth | estuary |
| Forbes | means “field” |
| Glen | means “small valley” |
| Heather | flower |
| Loch | lake orsea inlet |
| Marcail | means “pearl” |
| Rabbie | means “bright/shining” |
| Rosheen | means “little rose” |
| Sorcha | means “brightness” |
| Thistle | national flower |
Sporty Names foryour Scottish Pup
Do you have an agility master onyout hands? Choosing a sporty name then is a no-brainer. Our top pick is “MacNab” foran all round sporting legend,
| Caber | Caber Toss – traditional sport |
| Coulthard | David Coulthard – Formula One |
| Fife | East Fife football |
| Fleck | John Fleck – football |
| Golf | golf was invented inScotland in1764 |
| Higgins | John Higgins – snooker |
| Kay Lee Ray | wrestler |
| MacNab | sporting challenge – shoot a stag and2 grouse andcatch a salmon |
| McGinn | John McGinn – football |
| Murray | Andy Murray – tennis |
| Niblick | golf club |
| Shankly | Bill Shankly – football |
| Shinty | game similar to field hockey |
| Stennie | Stenhousemuir football |
| Stoltman | Luke Stoltman – strongman |
| Taylor | Josh Taylor – boxing |
Scottish Dog Breeds
Ah, Scotland! The land of tartan, bagpipes, andsome of the most popular dog breeds inthe world. They come inall shapes andsizes, from tiny terriers to giant hounds. Let’s take a look atwhat makes them sospecial.
Scottish Terrier
Known asthe “Scottie”, this small butmighty pooch was originally bred to hunt rats andfoxes. With its signature short legs, pointy ears, andscruffy coat, the Scottish Terrier is a true Scottish icon, andhas evengraced the White House asa presidential pet. Despite its size, the Scottish Terrier is fearless, feisty, andfiercely independent, andmakes a great companion forthose whoappreciate a bit of sass andspunk.
Cairn Terrier
The Cairn Terrier is another pint-sized powerhouse thatwas bred to hunt small game inthe rugged Scottish Highlands. Its name comes from the cairns (piles of stones) thatwere used to mark the entrances of burrows whereprey animals would hide. These terriers are known fortheir boundless energy, intelligence, andloyalty, andmake a great family dog.
Border Collie
It comes asno surprise thatone of the world’s most beloved andpopular dog breeds originated inScotland. The Border Collie is a working dog par excellence andis considered by many to be the smartest dog breed inthe world. Originally bred to herd sheep andcattle onthe Scottish borders, the Border Collie is a natural athlete, andexcels inagility, obedience, andany other canine sport you can think of.
Shetland Sheepdog
Another herding dog thathails from Scotland is the Shetland Sheepdog, or“Sheltie” forshort. This is a highly intelligent andtrainable dog thatexcels inherding, agility, andobedience. However, it's also a gentle andaffectionate companion thatloves nothing more thancuddling with its human family.
Rough Collie
This majestic andelegant dog is perhaps best known asthe breed thatinspired the novel andmovie “Lassie”. The Rough Collie, a herding dog, is known forits loyalty, intelligence, andgrace. It has a long andsilky coat thatrequires regular grooming, butthe effort is well worth it forthose whoappreciate a dog with a regal anddignified presence.
Scottish Deerhound
This is one of the largest andmost powerful dogs inthe world. Originally bred to hunt deer andother large game inthe Highlands, the Scottish Deerhound is a sighthound thatcan run atincredible speeds andhas a keen sense of sight andsmell.
Despite its size andstrength, however, the Scottish Deerhound is a gentle andlaid-back dog andis a great choice forthose whowant a giant dog thatis not aggressive orhyperactive.
Gordon Setter
The Gordon Setter is a large andathletic dog thatwas originally bred to hunt birds inthe Scottish moors andis known forits striking black andtan coat, long ears, andfriendly disposition. It's a great choice forthose whowant a dog thatis both a skilled hunter anda loyal companion.
Final Thoughts
Scottish dog breeds are some of the most fascinating andcharming dogs inthe world anddeserve more recognition andappreciation. Whetheryou prefer a small andspunky terrier, a giant andregal hound, oranything inbetween, there's a Scottish dog breed thatwill steal your heart andmake you smile. So, go ahead andadopt a Scottish dog, anddiscover the joys of owning a furry friend thatis both a piece of history anda bundle of unbridled joy!
Shelley Sunjka
I’m Shelley, a content creator and copywriter from Wicklow in the Irish countryside. I am a big animal lover, so writing about dogs is a dream come true! I’m the crazy lady who will stop you in the street while you’re out walking your dog to give it cuddles. I adore all dogs, but I would have to say the big slobbery ones are my favorite.