Updated 08/01/2023 – Deciding on a name for your new puppy can be both exciting and frustrating all at the same time. You probably want a name that fits your pup, but one that is also unique. We felt the same way when we were looking for a name for our puppy. This is why we decided to gather all the Scottish dog names we could find into one post.
Thus, making it easier for future new puppy owners to find the perfect Scottish dog name for their dogs.
Why Choose a Scottish Dog Name?
When choosing a name, you want to take into consideration a few key items; like how easy it is to say, and how popular the name is. It’s best not to choose a really popular name.
We did this once without realizing it. We named our English Springer Spaniel, Molly. It turned out it was a very popular name for that breed.
What’s the big deal you may ask? If you choose a popular name for your dog, they can become confused when they hear the name used for someone else’s dog.
The best thing to do is to try to pick a name that is unique but that still fits your puppy. One way to find a unique dog name is to choose an ethnic name from another country.
Some countries lend themselves to unique names more than others. Scotland is one of those countries that has diverse and appealing name options.
In addition to finding a unique dog name for your pup, you also want to choose a name that conveys your dog’s unique personality. This is where Scottish dog names have an advantage, especially, if you have an adventurous breed.
After all, when you think of Scotland you might think of their lush, green open spaces in the lowlands, or the rugged mountain terrain of the highlands. Let’s not forget about their vast coastline. All this means that Scotland offers an unlimited number of opportunities for adventure and for dog names.
If you want to learn more about Scotland, check out this post from Lonely Planet: Scotland is known for…
Border Collie in the Scottish Highlands
How to Choose a Dog Name
There are 6 tips to follow when choosing a name for your dog. We already discussed the first one:
Choose a unique name. Our current adopted puppy came with the name “Bella”. Since she already knew the name we decided not to change. But it is a very popular name on our street.
Pick a name that you are comfortable saying in public. What may seem funny in private might not go over well in public.
Your dog’s name will influence what people think of your dog. If you name your German Shepard Killer, people may believe that your dog presents a danger to others.
Choose a name that is easy to say. You will be saying it a lot over the next 10 to 15 years.
Don’t choose a name that can be mistaken for another word. (Example: Bo that sounds like no)
Choose a name with one or two syllables. Dogs can recognize shorter words easier. If you do choose a longer name consider using a nickname for everyday use.
Scottish Dog Names
The origins of Scottish names can come from the Old Scottish Gaelic language of Scotland and also by the surrounding areas that had an influence on the Scottish people. Here we have sorted our selection of names by:
Scottish Culture
Famous People from Scotland
Scottish Clan Names
Places in Scotland
More Scottish names for girl dogs
More Scottish names for boy dogs
Dog Names based on Scottish Culture
Like all countries, Scotland uses certain terms that are only used in Scotland. But these terms can make very unique Scottish Dog Names. An example of this is Coorie, which means to snuggle and nestle.
Wouldn’t this make a great name for a puppy that loves to cuddle with you? Keep reading to find more names for your puppy.
Names A to F
Scottish CultureMeaning
Alba
Gaelic for Scotland
Bairn
Scottish term for Baby
Bean
Fair
Bridie
Meat pastry that originates from Forfar
Caledonia
Latin name for Scotland
Cèilidh
Evening of traditional Scottish dancing (ˈkālē)
Clootie
Traditional steamed Scottish pudding
Coorie
Meaning to cuddle
Cranachan
Scottish dessert
Cullen
Cullen skink a thick Scottish soup
Dafty
A silly person
Edin
Edinburgh
Effie
Well-spoken
Embra
Slang for Edinburgh
Firth
Inlet of the sea (fərTH)
NamesH to W
Scottish Culture Meaning
Haggis
Traditional Scottish dish
Highlander
Person from the Scottish highlands
Kelpie
Shape-shifting water spirit which usually takes the form of a horse
Laddie
Scottish term for a boy
Lager
Light beer in Scotland
Lass
Scottish term for a girl
Loch
A lake or inlet
Mac
Means “son of”
Madra
Dog
Scotch
Type of whisky made in Scotland.
Selkie
Mythological beings capable of changing form by shedding their skin
Smokie
Type of smoked haddock
Sterling
Scotland’s currency
Stovie
Scottish dish based on potatoes
Tartan
A patterned cloth used in Scottish kilts
Thistle
National flower of Scotland
Toaty
Meaning tiny and small
Whiskey
Drink
Rough Collie
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Scottish clans are well-known symbols of Scottish life. They are most often associated with men in plaid Kilts and coats of armor. You may assume that people who are part of a clan have a blood line to the clan’s ruling ancestors. But that may not be correct. The term “clan” comes for the Gaelic ‘clann’ which literally means “children” and more broadly “kindred”.
It is common that members of a Scottish clan are more often a kinship group rather than a bloodline. There are over 350 different clans with about 175 of them having a coat of armor. Many of these names can be used as dog names.
Rather than showing you all the clan names we have selected the best 25 clan dog names for our list of Scottish Dog Names
