Scottish Dog Names: 70+ Highland-Inspired Names for Your Wee Pup

Scottish dog names capture the proud spirit of the Highlands with their rich blend of Celtic heritage, rugged landscapes, and legendary history. Whether you have a Scottish breed like a Terrier or Collie, or simply love everything about this beautiful northern country, these names offer the perfect way to give your pup a touch of Scottish charm and character.
Why Choose a Scottish Name for Your Dog?
Scottish names have several distinctive qualities that make them excellent choices for dogs:
- Strong, clear sounds - Many Scottish names have rolling Rs and strong consonants that dogs respond well to
- Cultural richness - From Gaelic heritage to clan histories, these names carry meaningful traditions
- Proud heritage - Perfect for dogs with dignified, loyal personalities
- Unique choices - Stand out from common dog names with authentic Scottish options
- Perfect for Scottish breeds - Especially fitting for Scottish Terriers, Border Collies, and other Scottish breeds
Traditional Scottish Male Dog Names
These strong names reflect Scotland’s rich heritage and make perfect choices for your loyal lad.
Name | Meaning/Origin | Style | Emoji | Popularity |
---|---|---|---|---|
Angus | One strength | Classic | 💪 | 89/100 |
Bruce | From the brushwood thicket | Historic | 👑 | 91/100 |
Wallace | Foreigner, stranger | Patriotic | 🏴 | 88/100 |
Malcolm | Devotee of Saint Columba | Classic | 📜 | 85/100 |
Hamish | Scottish form of James | Traditional | 🏴 | 87/100 |
Fergus | Man of vigor | Strong | 🦁 | 84/100 |
Duncan | Dark warrior | Powerful | ⚔️ | 86/100 |
Ewan | Born of the yew tree | Nature | 🌲 | 83/100 |
Murray | Settlement by the sea | Geographic | 🌊 | 82/100 |
Finlay | Fair warrior | Noble | 🛡️ | 85/100 |
Traditional Scottish Female Dog Names
Beautiful names that capture the grace and strength of Scotland’s heritage.
Name | Meaning/Origin | Style | Emoji | Popularity |
---|---|---|---|---|
Fiona | Fair, white | Classic | ✨ | 92/100 |
Bonnie | Beautiful, pretty | Popular | 🌹 | 90/100 |
Isla | Island | Modern | 🏝️ | 88/100 |
Ailsa | Fairy rock | Mystical | 🧚 | 84/100 |
Elspeth | Chosen by God | Traditional | 👑 | 83/100 |
Moira | Great | Classic | ⭐ | 85/100 |
Rhona | Rough island | Geographic | 🏝️ | 82/100 |
Catriona | Pure | Traditional | 💫 | 86/100 |
Blair | Field, plain | Strong | 🌾 | 87/100 |
Sorcha | Brightness, light | Mystical | 🔆 | 84/100 |
Scottish Whisky-Inspired Dog Names
Perfect for sophisticated dogs with refined taste and a warm personality.
Name | Meaning/Origin | Style | Emoji | Popularity |
---|---|---|---|---|
Macallan | Famous Scotch whisky | Refined | 🥃 | 86/100 |
Glenlivet | Valley of the Livet | Geographic | 🥃 | 84/100 |
Oban | Coastal distillery town | Coastal | 🌊 | 83/100 |
Talisker | Isle of Skye whisky | Island | 🏝️ | 85/100 |
Dalwhinnie | Meeting place | Highland | 🏔️ | 82/100 |
Ardbeg | Small headland | Islay | 🌫️ | 81/100 |
Lagavulin | Mill in the valley | Smoky | 🔥 | 83/100 |
Balvenie | Village of the mountain | Traditional | 🏔️ | 80/100 |
Glenfiddich | Valley of the deer | Nature | 🦌 | 87/100 |
Dufftown | Whisky-producing town | Historic | 🏛️ | 79/100 |
Scottish Highland & Geographic Names
Inspired by Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes and iconic locations.
Name | Meaning/Origin | Style | Emoji | Popularity |
---|---|---|---|---|
Skye | Isle of Skye | Island | 🏝️ | 90/100 |
Loch | Lake | Geographic | 🏞️ | 87/100 |
Glen | Valley | Geographic | 🏞️ | 88/100 |
Ness | From Loch Ness | Legendary | 🐉 | 85/100 |
Barra | Hebridean island | Island | 🏝️ | 82/100 |
Arran | Island in the Firth | Island | 🏝️ | 83/100 |
Jura | Isle of deer | Wildlife | 🦌 | 81/100 |
Lomond | Beacon mountain | Geographic | 🏔️ | 84/100 |
Orkney | Northern isles | Island | 🏝️ | 80/100 |
Tay | Silent one (river) | Nature | 🌊 | 79/100 |
Scottish Clan Names
Honor Scotland’s proud clan heritage with these historic family names.
Name | Meaning/Origin | Style | Emoji | Popularity |
---|---|---|---|---|
Campbell | Crooked mouth | Historic | 👑 | 88/100 |
MacDonald | Son of Donald | Classic | 🛡️ | 87/100 |
Fraser | Strawberry | Noble | 🍓 | 86/100 |
Stewart | Steward | Royal | 👑 | 89/100 |
Gordon | Spacious fort | Strong | 🏰 | 85/100 |
MacLeod | Son of Leod | Highland | 🏔️ | 84/100 |
Graham | Gravelly homestead | Classic | 🏡 | 83/100 |
Cameron | Crooked nose | Highland | 🏴 | 85/100 |
Scott | Gaelic/Scottish person | Traditional | 🏴 | 86/100 |
Ross | Headland, promontory | Geographic | 🌄 | 82/100 |
Scottish Terrier-Inspired Names
Perfect for Scottish Terriers, Westies, and other Scottish dog breeds.
Name | Meaning/Origin | Style | Emoji | Popularity |
---|---|---|---|---|
Scottie | Scottish Terrier | Breed | 🐕 | 91/100 |
Dougal | Dark stranger | Traditional | 🖤 | 85/100 |
Piper | Bagpipe player | Cultural | 🎵 | 87/100 |
Westin | From the west (Westie) | Breed | 🐕 | 86/100 |
Cairn | Pile of stones, cairn terrier | Breed | 🪨 | 84/100 |
Aberdeen | City in Scotland | Geographic | 🏙️ | 83/100 |
Thistle | Scottish national flower | Patriotic | 🌱 | 88/100 |
Nessie | Loch Ness Monster | Legendary | 🐉 | 89/100 |
Tartan | Scottish plaid pattern | Cultural | 🏴 | 85/100 |
Claymore | Scottish two-handed sword | Historic | ⚔️ | 82/100 |
Outlander-Inspired Scottish Dog Names
For fans of the popular Scotland-based series with a love of time-travel romance.
Name | Meaning/Origin | Style | Emoji | Popularity |
---|---|---|---|---|
Jamie | Outlander hero | Popular | ❤️ | 93/100 |
Claire | Outlander heroine | Popular | 💫 | 92/100 |
Fraser | Clan name in Outlander | Noble | 🛡️ | 89/100 |
Murtagh | Loyal godfather | Loyal | 🤝 | 85/100 |
Colum | Clan leader | Leader | 👑 | 83/100 |
Dougal | War chieftain | Warrior | ⚔️ | 84/100 |
Geillis | Mysterious character | Mystical | 🔮 | 82/100 |
Brianna | Daughter of main characters | Family | 👪 | 86/100 |
Roger | Historian character | Intelligent | 📚 | 85/100 |
Lallybroch | Jamie’s family home | Homey | 🏡 | 81/100 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular Scottish dog names?
According to recent surveys, the most popular Scottish-inspired dog names include Angus, Fiona, Bruce, Skye, Wallace, Bonnie, Murray, and Fraser. These names reflect both traditional Scottish heritage and modern naming trends.
What are good names for Scottish Terriers?
Scottish Terriers pair wonderfully with traditional Scottish names like Scottie, Dougal, Aberdeen, Thistle, Fergus, Piper, and Tartan that reflect their proud heritage and spunky personality. Names that highlight their black coat like Angus or Coal are also popular choices.
What are good names for Border Collies?
Border Collies work well with Scottish working names like Glen, Murray, Skye, Loch, and Highland. Their intelligence and herding background also make them perfect candidates for names of Scottish shepherds or clan names like Fraser, MacLeod, or Cameron.
How do I pronounce Scottish Gaelic names correctly?
Scottish Gaelic names have sounds that may be unfamiliar to English speakers. For example:
- Catriona is pronounced “ka-TREE-na”
- Eilidh is pronounced “AY-lee”
- Ruaridh is pronounced “ROO-ree”
- Hamish is pronounced “HAY-mish”
What are some Scottish terms that make good dog names?
Scottish terminology offers many distinctive dog name options including Loch (lake), Glen (valley), Laird (landowner), Laddie (boy), Lassie (girl), and Piper (bagpipe player). These names are particularly fitting for dogs with proud, dignified personalities.
Training Tips for Dogs with Scottish Names
- Use clear, consistent pronunciation - Especially important for Gaelic names with unfamiliar sounds
- Keep commands simple - Pair your Scottish name with short, clear commands
- Match energy levels - Highland names like Skye or Glen work best for active, outdoor-loving dogs
- Embrace the heritage - Dogs with Scottish names often thrive with structured training that respects their intelligence
- Consider name length - Shorter names like Bruce or Skye may be easier for training than longer options
Whether you have a Scottish breed or simply love the spirit of the Highlands, these Scottish dog names offer the perfect blend of tradition, strength, and Celtic charm for your loyal four-legged companion.
Related Dog Names by Origin & Culture
More Dog Name Ideas
Looking for even more options? Check out our other lists of dog names grouped by popularity, breed, theme, first letter, size and color to help you find a name as unique as your new puppy.