Overtly Scottish name?

[RubyRoseRed]

Can we use one even though we are English and have no Scottish connections at all?

Would the child just get so sick of having to explain that there was no Scottish connection?

If you mean a Gaelic name with weirdy interesting spelling, then yes your child would get sick of explaining it in my opinion.

You have the right to use any name you wish. Your child can simply state that mum and dad liked the name - end of story. If you really, really like a name (curious as to what it is) then if it suits the baby there is no reason why you shouldn't use it at all.

If I ever had a dd she would have a Spanish name and there are no Spanish roots in my family!

No its not a spelling issue. I think the lack of connection wouldn't be an issue but DH, although he really likes the name,(Hamish btw) thinks it would be odd for an English child.....It is VERY Scottish!

As long as you know people may ask you about the heritage and you won't mind, then use it!
My sis and I both have Scottish names and we are Scandi/Irish heritage.

I have a Hamish :D We got a really hard time when we chose it as even people in Scotland think it's a bit too Scottish. Also it's the vocative for Seamus which seemed to annoy the hardcore scottish people!!!

Yikes I hadn't thought of actually annoying Scottish people!! Another consideration perhaps? I really love the name though..........

We are Scottish, and live in Scotland, but Hamish is a step too far for a lot of people even up here. People kept saying 'but that's a dog's name' or 'that sounds like a tory MP's name'. Very annoying!

If you love it, then go for it! I'm Scottish, and it wouldn't bother me in the slightest. Anyone you know who would comment in a negative way to your face are being very rude.

I don't see anything wrong with using it, but the thought of always having to explain it would put me off.

Eh? I know a Hamish (and a Seamus) and would think nothing of it. Don't know any dogs or Tory MP's called Hamish. I'm from the North of Scotland btw.

I have a daughter with a "weirdy" gaelic name but given that we live in the Gaeltachd I presume that's allowed?

Anyway OP you have my permission to name your son Hamish

I with feeimcgee....!!!! I'm a jock and would use an English name for my child, don't see why you can't do the same. After all it's the United Kingdom...

Maybe take him to Scotland so at least he's been....!!!

Hamish is on my list too....great name.

So invent a Scottish grandfather. It's a great name :)

Thanks people! I feel reassured! We both Love Scotland and have spent lots of time there in the past and intend to do so in the future. I am of Irish descent but maybe a bit more digging would reveal a Scottish ancestor, just in case!

Hi, yes, I'm one of those people who thinks its much nicer if the name means something. Therefore i wouldnt use a name from a country i have no connection to. But 'connection' gives you pretty braod scope. For example i lived in France for a year and we holiday there a lot, so i wouldnt feel daft using a french name and saying because we love france!

So even though i am one of those people, i dont think you need to make up a connection, it sounds to me like you already have one with Scotland

i think it's fine but he WILL be asked by everybody if you or his father are scottish. or it will even be assumed.

many scottish people don't have overtly scottish accents so people would generally assume that anybody with a child called hamish is scottish.

I'm with feeimcgee and highlandgirl too...go for it! If you love it it doesn't matter - and I'm Scottish too - I honestly wouldn't think it was odd. Anyway it sounds like it there is a connection for you - you love it and you love Scotland!

I'm Scottish & love the name Hamish, I think it's great you do aswell! Go for it :o

Our labrador is called Hamish and he isn't Scottish!

Ha! Does he get sick of having to explain that to his canine friends though?