Selecting a name for a new baby in Scotland feels different lately. It’s less about following a strict clan tradition and more about a weird, beautiful mix of island-inspired nature and global trends. If you've been looking at the official charts from the National Records of Scotland (NRS), you’ve probably noticed that things are shifting. Fast.
Honestly, the days of every second boy being called David or John are long gone. Those names were the titans of the 1970s. Now? We are seeing a massive explosion in variety. In 2024, the NRS reported a record-breaking number of unique names being used. It basically means parents are getting braver. They want something that stands out but still feels "right" in a Scottish playground.
Top Names in Scotland and the Rise of the "Island" Vibe
Right now, Olivia and Noah are the heavyweights. They keep swapping the top spot like they’re playing a game of musical chairs. But if you look just below the surface, the real story of top names in Scotland is the obsession with geography and nature.
Names like Isla and Harris aren't just popular; they’re staples. Isla is consistently in the top three for girls. It’s a nod to Islay, but shorter and punchier. For boys, Harris is a permanent fixture in the top ten. Parents are looking at the map for inspiration. We’re seeing more kids named Arran, Skye, and even Iona. It’s a way of pinning a child’s identity to the landscape without being too "on the nose" about it.
💡 You might also like: Wire brush for cleaning: What most people get wrong about choosing the right bristles
The Muhammad Surge
One of the most interesting jumps in recent years is Muhammad. It officially hit the number two spot for boys in 2024, climbing nine places in a single year. It’s a massive shift that reflects the actual diversity of modern Scotland. While traditional Gaelic names like Rory and Finlay are still holding their own at 3rd and 11th respectively, the "Top 10" club is no longer an exclusive group of old-school Scottish monikers.
What's Trending for 2026?
If you’re expecting a baby this year, you’re likely looking at what's coming next rather than what happened two years ago. We are seeing a "vowel hiatus" trend. That’s a fancy way of saying names with lots of vowels and very few consonants. Think Ayla, Noa, or Eilidh (which is still a powerhouse, currently sitting at 38th).
- Romy and Nora are the "it" girls right now. They’ve seen huge climbs in the rankings.
- Reggie and Callan are the fast-movers for boys.
- Vintage names are making a "grandparent" comeback. Bonnie is sitting pretty at 11th for girls. It’s weirdly nostalgic and very Scottish all at once.
There’s also a noticeable decline in the "Kardashian" effect. A few years ago, everyone was obsessed with celebrity-inspired names. Now, parents seem to be leaning toward "ancient civilization" vibes or names that feel a bit more grounded. Luca had a massive run—hitting number one in 2023—but it’s already starting to cool off slightly as parents look for the next fresh sound.
📖 Related: Images of Thanksgiving Holiday: What Most People Get Wrong
The Age Factor
Did you know your age probably dictates what you’ll name your kid? The NRS data is actually pretty funny about this. Younger moms (under 25) are much more likely to go for Noah or Leo. If you’re a mom over 35, there’s a much higher chance you’ll pick Finn or Emily. It’s like there’s a subconscious generational divide in what we think sounds "classy" versus "cool."
Why Some Classics are Dying Out
It’s actually a bit sad to see the "stalwarts" fading. Names like James have been in the top ten since probably the 15th century. But even James is feeling the pressure. In 2024, it was clinging to 14th place. David, which was the undisputed king for fifty years, has tumbled down to 71st.
The reality is that "Top Names in Scotland" doesn't mean what it used to. In 1974, over 1,700 boys were named David in a single year. Today, the number one name, Noah, only had 366 babies. The "pool" of names is just way bigger now. You can be at the top of the chart with a relatively small number of actual humans sharing your name.
👉 See also: Why Everyone Is Still Obsessing Over Maybelline SuperStay Skin Tint
Actionable Tips for Choosing a Scottish Name
If you’re trying to navigate this list for your own family, don't just look at the top ten. That’s how you end up with three kids with the same name in one nursery class.
Check the "Rising" list. Look for names that jumped 20+ places. These are the ones that will be popular in three years, but aren't everywhere yet. Names like Violet, Myla, and Arlo are in that "sweet spot" right now.
Say it with the surname. Scottish surnames can be harsh or melodic. A name like Eilidh (pronounced AY-lee) works beautifully with a "Mac" surname because of the soft vowel start.
Consider the Gaelic spelling. Ruairidh is climbing, but many parents still opt for Rory. Deciding between the traditional spelling and the phonetic one is a big choice. The traditional spelling is a great way to preserve the language, but be prepared for a lifetime of spelling it out for people over the phone.
To find the perfect fit, you should start by downloading the full 2024-2025 NRS dataset to see the names given to only 3 or 4 children. These "rare" gems—like Lochlan or Maisie once were—often hold the most character. Cross-reference your favorites with your family tree to see if there's a vintage middle name you can revive to give a modern first name some historical weight.