Scotland, with its rugged landscapes, rich history, and fierce clans, has a treasure trove of surnames that tell stories of ancestry, occupations, and even physical traits. Whether you’re tracing your roots, writing a historical novel, or just fascinated by Scottish heritage, this guide dives into 120+ Scottish last names, their meanings, and origins; categorized for easy exploration.
Categories of Scottish Surnames
Scottish surnames generally fall into these key categories:
- Patronymic & Clan Names (e.g., MacDonald, MacGregor)
- Occupational Surnames (e.g., Smith, Taylor)
- Geographical & Place-Based Names (e.g., Murray, Drummond)
- Descriptive & Nickname-Based Names (e.g., Campbell, Reid)
- Nature-Inspired Names (e.g., Craig, Muir)
Let’s explore them one by one!
1. Patronymic & Clan Surnames (Mac/Mc = “Son of”)
These surnames often start with Mac or Mc, meaning “son of,” and are tied to powerful Scottish clans.
| Surname | Meaning/Origin |
|---|---|
| MacDonald | “Son of Donald” (Gaelic Domhnall = “world ruler”) – One of Scotland’s most powerful clans . |
| MacGregor | “Son of Gregory” (Greek Gregorios = “watchful”) – A clan famously outlawed in the 17th century . |
| MacLeod | “Son of Leod” (Old Norse Ljótr = “ugly,” but likely a misinterpretation) – Associated with the Isle of Skye . |
| MacKenzie | “Son of Coinneach” (Gaelic caoin = “handsome”) – A prominent Highland clan . |
| MacIntosh | “Son of the chief” – Clan MacIntosh played a key role in Scottish rebellions . |
| MacPherson | “Son of the parson” – Linked to Clan Chattan . |
| MacLean | “Son of Gillean” (Gaelic gille = “servant”) – A Hebridean clan . |
| MacNeil | “Son of Niall” (Gaelic Niall = “champion”) – Lords of Barra . |
| MacFarlane | “Son of Parlan” – A clan from Loch Lomond . |
| MacDougall | “Son of Dougal” (Gaelic Dubhgall = “dark stranger”) – Descendants of Norse-Gaelic rulers . |
2. Occupational Surnames (Tied to Jobs & Trades)
Many Scottish surnames stem from medieval professions.
| Surname | Meaning/Origin |
|---|---|
| Smith | Metalworker – The most common Scottish surname . |
| Taylor | Tailor (from Old French tailleur) . |
| Baxter | Baker (from Scots baxtare) . |
| Webster | Weaver (Old English webbestre) . |
| Stewart | Originally Stigweard (Old English “household guardian”) – Later royal dynasty . |
| Falconer | Keeper of falcons . |
| Brewster | Brewer . |
| Clacher | Stonemason (Gaelic clachair) . |
| Walker | Fuller (someone who cleaned wool by walking on it) . |
| Hunter | Game hunter . |
3. Geographical & Place-Based Surnames
These names often come from landmarks, towns, or natural features.
| Surname | Meaning/Origin |
|---|---|
| Murray | From Moray region (Gaelic Moireabh = “sea settlement”) . |
| Drummond | “Ridge” (Gaelic druim) – A noble family name . |
| Craig | “Rock” (Gaelic creag) – For those living near cliffs . |
| Burns | “Stream” (Old English burna) – Famously borne by poet Robert Burns . |
| Douglas | “Dark water” (Gaelic dubh glas) – A powerful Lowland clan . |
| Ross | From the region Ross (Gaelic ros = “headland”) . |
| Graham | From Grantham, England (“gravelly homestead”) . |
| Hamilton | From a crooked hill (Old English hamel dun) . |
| Lennox | From Leamhnachd (“place of elms”) . |
| Cunningham | From a place in Ayrshire (possibly Gaelic cuinneag = “milk pail”) . |
4. Descriptive & Nickname-Based Surnames
These names often describe physical traits or personalities.
| Surname | Meaning/Origin |
|---|---|
| Campbell | “Crooked mouth” (Gaelic cam beul) – A major Highland clan . |
| Reid | “Red-haired” (Old English read) . |
| Duncan | “Dark warrior” (Gaelic Donnchadh) . |
| Cameron | “Crooked nose” (Gaelic cam sròn) . |
| Duff | “Dark” (Gaelic dubh) . |
| Fairbairn | “Beautiful child” . |
| Kerr | “Wet, rough ground” or “dark-skinned” . |
| Cruickshank | “Bent leg” (Scots nickname) . |
| Young | Used to distinguish a younger family member . |
| Brown | Describes hair color or complexion . |
5. Nature-Inspired Surnames
Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes inspired many surnames.
| Surname | Meaning/Origin |
|---|---|
| Muir | “Moor” (Gaelic mòr) . |
| Forbes | “Field” (Gaelic forba) . |
| Shaw | “Wolf” or “thicket” . |
| Ainsley | “Solitary woodland” (Old English anne leah) . |
| Balfour | “Village pasture” (Gaelic baile pòr) . |
| Blair | “Plain” or “battlefield” (Gaelic blàr) . |
| Kyle | “Narrows” (Gaelic caol) . |
| Lindsay | From Lincoln’s island (Old English Lindesege) . |
| Brodie | “Muddy place” (Gaelic broth) . |
| Craig | “Rock” (Gaelic creag) . |
Bonus: Unique & Rare Scottish Surnames
For those who love distinctive names:
| Surname | Meaning/Origin |
|---|---|
| Auchinleck | “Field of flat stones” . |
| Smellie | “Cheerful smile” (Old Scots) . |
| Slora | Possibly from Sluagdach (“leader”) . |
| Tumbler | “Acrobatic dancer” . |
| Goodlad | From Shetland, meaning “good servant” . |
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Final Thoughts
Scottish surnames are more than just names; they’re legacies of clans, landscapes, and ancient trades. Whether your last name is MacDonald, Campbell, or Craig, it carries centuries of history.
Which Scottish surname is your favorite? Let us know in the comments! And if you’re researching your roots, consider visiting Scotland to walk the lands of your ancestors.
Slàinte mhath! (Good health!)