Top 50 Common Scottish Last Names And Meanings

Table of Contents I. Introduction II. The Origins of Scottish Surnames III. Main Categories of Scottish Surnames IV. Top 50 Scottish Surnames and Their Meanings V. Final Thoughts

Introduction

Scottish surnames carry centuries of history, shaped by cultural exchange and migration. Influences from Norse seafarers, Norman conquerors, and Celtic neighbors helped form a rich tapestry of names that reveal insights into Scotland’s heritage. The ancient land once called Caledonia and Alba, now part of the United Kingdom, has deep ties with Ireland, France, Scandinavia, and beyond. Each surname tells a piece of Scotland’s story.

The Origins of Scottish Surnames

The development of Scottish last names and meanings is closely tied to the nation’s unique cultural and linguistic evolution. As early as the 10th century, names began to reflect ancestry, geography, and professions. The interaction of Gaelic, Norse, Anglo-Norman, and Latin languages resulted in the diverse collection of surnames we see today. These names reflect a blend of social structure, geography, and tradition across different regions of the country.

The Origins of Scottish Surnames

Historical Background

Between the 10th and 12th centuries, surnames began to emerge among the Scottish nobility and slowly spread across the wider population. By the 18th and 19th centuries, surnames had become hereditary and widespread, used to distinguish people by origin, occupation, or family lineage.

Influence of the Anglo-Normans

During King David I’s reign (1124–1153), Anglo-Norman nobles settled in Scotland, bringing their naming traditions. Names such as de Brus (Bruce), Ridel, and de Umfraville appeared, typically linked to land ownership or noble titles. These names became embedded in Scotland’s aristocracy and played a foundational role in surname development.

See more: Find Tartan by Surname and Unlock Your Clan’s Unique Identity

The Ragman Roll and the Rise of Surnames

The Ragman Roll of 1296, a document listing Scottish nobles who pledged loyalty to Edward I of England, is a valuable resource for tracing early surnames. Many names recorded resemble English forms, reflecting Anglo-Norman influence. Notably, Gaelic names are scarce, pointing to regional differences in surname adoption at that time.

Main Categories of Scottish Surnames

Local and Geographical Surnames

These surnames identify people based on where they or their ancestors came from, often describing natural features or estates:

• Drummond – “ridge” or elevated land
• Abernathy – “mouth of the River Nathy”
• Craig – from the Gaelic word for “rock” or “cliff”
• Muir – someone living near a moor or heathland

Surnames Based on Occupation

Many Scottish surnames come from ancestral trades, especially in rural communities:

• Smith – the most widespread surname in Scotland, refers to a blacksmith
• Baxter – means “baker”
• Webster – a weaver
• Hunter – one who hunted game for a living

Hunter – one who hunted game for a living

Descriptive Surnames

These names describe physical traits or personal qualities, often rooted in Gaelic:

• Duncan – interpreted as “dark warrior” or “dark-haired man”
• Campbell – “crooked mouth” in Gaelic
• Duff – means “dark” or “black”
• Murray – “lord” or “master”

Patronymic and Matronymic Names

Derived from the given name of a parent, usually the father. In Gaelic tradition, “Mac” (meaning “son of”) is common:

• MacDonald – “son of Donald” (Donald = “world ruler”)
• MacDougal – “son of Dougal” (Dougal = “dark stranger”)
• Wilson – “son of William”
• Robertson – “son of Robert” (Robert = “bright with glory”)

Clan-Related Surnames

Scotland’s clans played a critical role in surname identity. Clans were more than family—they were communities with shared ancestry, tartans, and traditions:

• Clan MacDonald – surname means “son of Donald”; one of the largest Highland clans
• Clan Robertson – also called Donnachaidh, with lineage tracing to the 12th century

Top 50 Scottish Surnames and Their Meanings

• Smith – Metalworker; extremely common in Scotland
• Brown – Likely described someone with brown hair or a tanned complexion
• Wilson – “Son of William”; William = “resolute protector”
• Thomson – “Son of Thom”; Thom is a shortened form of Thomas = “twin”
• Robertson – “Son of Robert”
• Campbell – “Crooked mouth” in Gaelic
• Stewart – “Household guardian”; linked to the royal House of Stewart
• Anderson – “Son of Andrew”; Andrew = “manly”
• MacDonald / McDonald – “Son of Donald”; a dominant clan name
• Scott – Originally meant a Gaelic speaker or a native of Scotland
• Reid – From “red”, describing someone with red hair
• Murray – From the region of Moray; “sea settlement”
• Taylor – Tailor; from Old French tailleur
• Clark – Clerk or scholar; educated or religious person
• Mitchell – Variant of Michael = “Who is like God?”
• Ross – “Headland”; a coastal name
• Walker – Cloth fuller who walked on wool to clean it
• Young – From Old English geong, used to distinguish the younger person
• MacGregor – “Son of Gregory”; Gregory = “vigilant”
• Watson – “Son of Walter”; Walter = “ruler of the army”
• Morrison – “Son of Morris” (Maurice = “dark-skinned”)
• Miller – Mill worker or possibly “merchant” in Gaelic
• Fraser – From Old French for “strawberry”
• Davidson – “Son of David”; David = “beloved”
• Gray – May refer to grey hair or attire
• Henderson – “Son of Henry”; Henry = “home ruler”
• Johnston – From the place name Johnstone
• Hamilton – “Crooked hill”; a place-based surname
• Graham – “Gravel homestead”; from English origins
• Kerr – Gaelic for “rough and wet land”
• Simpson – “Son of Sim”; Sim is short for Simon
• Martin – “Of Mars”, Roman god of war
• Ferguson – “Son of Fergus” = “man of strength”
• Cameron – “Crooked nose” in Gaelic
• Duncan – “Brown warrior”
• Douglas – “Dark stream”; name of a powerful clan
• Kelly – Either “grove” in Cornish or “descendant of war” in Gaelic
• Bell – Possibly from a signboard or the French bel = “beautiful”
• Grant – From Norman French for “tall”
• MacKenzie – “Son of Coinneach” = “handsome”
• MacKay – “Son of Aodh” = “fire”
• Allan / Allen – Gaelic ail = “rock” or aluinn = “handsome”
• Black – Refers to dark hair or a swarthy appearance
• MacLeod – “Son of Leod”; Leod = “ugly” in Old Norse
• McLean – “Son of the servant of Eoin”; Eoin = “God is gracious”
• Russell – Old French for “red-haired”
• Gibson – “Son of Gib”, short for Gilbert = “bright pledge”
• Wallace – Linked to William Wallace, Scottish national hero
• Gordon – “Spacious fort”; name from Berwickshire
• Marshall – Old term for someone working with horses

Gordon – “Spacious fort”; name from Berwickshire

Final Thoughts

Scottish surnames are more than just names—they are echoes of ancestry, land, trade, and character. Exploring these names helps connect modern Scots and enthusiasts alike to centuries of history and tradition. From Highland warriors to village craftsmen, the origins of these surnames provide a meaningful look at how identity has been shaped across generations in Scotland.

By Scotstee.

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