Choosing a name for your dog is an important first step in dog ownership.
What you name your puppy will have an impact on the rest of their lives.
So make sure you choose carefully.
To help you find the perfect Scottish dog name we have put together a list of 500 Scottish dog names to choose from.
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. If you choose a popular name your dog will become confused when they hear the name used for someone else. It’s best if you try to pick a name that is unique.
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.
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.
When you think of Scotland one thinks of; the lush, green spaces of the lowlands, the rugged mountain terrain of the highlands, and the vast coastline of both the Highlands and islands. All this means that Scotland offers an unlimited number of opportunities for adventure and dog names.
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 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. She often becomes confused when the name is used for someone else.
Pick a name that you are comfortable saying in public. What might 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 nick name for everyday use.
Westie Puppy
Scottish Dog Names
The origins of Scottish names can came from the Old Scottish Gaelic language of Scotland and also by the surrounding areas that had an influence on the Scottish people.
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 is Coorie which means to snuggle and nestle. Wouldn’t this make a great name for a puppy that loves to cuddle with you?
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
Note: As an Amazon affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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
