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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Scottish girls names!

102 replies

bunhead34 · 07/02/2021 11:21

DH and I would both like a Scottish name for our baby girl, but can't agree on one!

I really like Eilidh but we live in England and also have a not super straightforward (European) surname, so will she be in for a lifetime of spelling out her full name and mispronunciation? Regardless, DH isn't super keen on Eilidh anyway.

What are your favourite Scottish girls names?

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ftmum94 · 07/02/2021 14:28

Ailsa, Isla, Skye, Mirren, Eilish or Rowan?

WonkyCactus · 07/02/2021 13:41

I've never heard the name Aila before. I don't love it, I prefer Isla or even Ailsa.

HoldontoOneMoreDay · 07/02/2021 12:47

Isla
Ailsa
Flora
Skye
Fiona
Caitlin
Alba

HoldontoOneMoreDay · 07/02/2021 12:45

[quote Tartyflette]Marie (pronounced Mahree, like in the folk song Marie's wedding. )
www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjL7PGq1dfuAhXHVsAKHZvvCOQQyCkwAHoECAIQAw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DeQLbjejkRiE&usg=AOvVaw0dfavaLDdEePvCGhs0AmHH[/quote]
It's Mairi's wedding, not Marie's. Pronounced Mah-ri. Long a, short r.

ILoveStickers · 07/02/2021 12:45

Flora and Florence are traditionally quite Scottish too.

ILoveStickers · 07/02/2021 12:44

If you like Eilidh, how about Éilis or Ailis or Ailish? Irish rather than Scottish, but a similar sound, and not hard to explain.

All the island names are lovely - Iona, Skye, Ailsa.

finallychangedmyusername · 07/02/2021 12:25

Fiona (which I'm amazed isn't more popular) and Lorna. Both gorgeous names, underused and would suit all ages.

Radishesandcake · 07/02/2021 12:19

Aila is a gorgeous name

florascotia2 · 07/02/2021 12:18

The name is Mairi (Mary), pronounced Mahrry or Mahrr-ee, as previous poster said. You can hear it here: learngaelic.scot/fichead-facal/ff-names-girls.jsp

Mhairi is the vocative form, in Scottish Gaelic. It's used only when speaking directly to someone: 'Good morning, Mhairi'. It is pronounced Vahrry. It is sometimes used as a separate name but really, that is gramatically totally wrong.

Alisa, Sine (Sheena), Mairead, Kirsty, also Janet/Jessie, Alison, Jean, Christina, Marion traditionally quite popular in Scots-speaking areas.

Original poster
bunhead34 · 07/02/2021 12:17

Any opinions on Aila?

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Original poster
bunhead34 · 07/02/2021 12:06

I think Morag is bit too strong! And makes me think of morag the cow who was on tv when we were kids!

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Original poster
bunhead34 · 07/02/2021 12:04

@Nomoreporridge I actually love Agnes and it's even DH grans name, but he isn't keen 🙄

OP posts:
yankeedoodlecandy · 07/02/2021 12:01

Mirren
Marsaili
Morven

IamnotwhouthinkIam · 07/02/2021 11:57

I like Morven, Isobel and Vaila

YoniAndGuy · 07/02/2021 11:56

Flora, Isobel, Mairi

SlummingAngel · 07/02/2021 11:41

Skye
Catriona (pronounced Cat-ree- nah)
Iona
Rowan (pronounced to rhyme with cow)
Heather
Mirren
Maisie
Fiona

mamaweebeastie · 07/02/2021 11:36

Murren

NoAuthorityHereJackieWeaver · 07/02/2021 11:36

@Nomoreporridge

Agnes.

It used to be an old lady name, but think it’s due to come back again!

Sounds like a strong name. ( and is actually more international. Popular in Scotland, but not just Scottish - bit like Alexander.)

Vairi - ( Mhairi is pronounced Vari in Gaelic, but have seen the spelling adapted for English speakers.)

Sorry, but Agnes is not popular in Scotland. It was used a generation or two back, but is generally perceived negatively IMHO.
NoAuthorityHereJackieWeaver · 07/02/2021 11:35

Mhairi
Mairi
Morven
Mirrin
Isla
Catriona

Arewenearly · 07/02/2021 11:34

Mairi
Catriona

Nomoreporridge · 07/02/2021 11:33

Agnes.

It used to be an old lady name, but think it’s due to come back again!

Sounds like a strong name. ( and is actually more international. Popular in Scotland, but not just Scottish - bit like Alexander.)

Vairi - ( Mhairi is pronounced Vari in Gaelic, but have seen the spelling adapted for English speakers.)

angelopal · 07/02/2021 11:31

Isla
Iona
Flora
Davina
Elspeth

LizzieMacQueen · 07/02/2021 11:28

Ishbel or Isobel

WonkyCactus · 07/02/2021 11:27

My favourite is Morven. Rona is nice too.

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