What if I told you the perfect baby name was hiding in 18th-century Scotland? Trust me, after diving deep into the world of Outlander, I’ve discovered some absolute gems that would make any Highland warrior proud.
When my cousin named her daughter Brianna after watching Outlander, I realized how deeply these names connect us to stories we love. There’s something magical about choosing a name that carries centuries of Scottish heritage, wrapped up in the romance and adventure we’ve all fallen for.
Whether you’re team Jamie or completely obsessed with Claire’s time-traveling journey, you’ll find 300+ authentic Scottish names that bring that Highland magic right into your nursery.
Here’s what you’ll discover: authentic Scottish names from the Outlander universe, their deep meanings, and why they’re absolutely perfect for modern babies. Plus, I’ll share some insider tips on choosing names that sound as beautiful today as they did in the Scottish Highlands centuries ago.
Outlander-Inspired Names for Girls
Main Character Names
These leading ladies have captured our hearts and given us some seriously beautiful name inspiration:
• Claire – French origin meaning “bright/clear,” the time-traveling heroine who started it all
• Brianna – Irish/Celtic meaning “noble, strong,” Jamie and Claire’s fierce daughter
• Marsali – Scottish meaning “warlike,” the spirited Fraser daughter-in-law
• Jenny – Scottish diminutive of Janet, meaning “God is gracious,” Jamie’s strong-willed sister
• Ellen – Greek meaning “light,” Jamie’s beloved mother
• Jocasta – Greek meaning “shining moon,” the formidable Cameron matriarch
• Laoghaire – Irish meaning “calf herder,” pronounced “Lee-ry” (Jamie’s first wife)
• Fiona – Scottish meaning “white/fair,” a classic Highland beauty
• Morag – Scottish meaning “great one,” traditionally a powerful name
• Caoimhe – Irish meaning “gentle, beautiful,” pronounced “Kee-va”
Highland Heritage Names
These names come straight from Scottish clan traditions and Highland culture:
• Aileas – Scottish form of Alice, meaning “noble”
• Beathag – Scottish meaning “life,” pronounced “Beh-ak”
• Cairistiona – Scottish form of Christina, meaning “follower of Christ”
• Deirdre – Irish meaning “sorrowful,” but beautifully melodic
• Ealasaid – Scottish form of Elizabeth, meaning “God is my oath”
• Fenella – Scottish meaning “white shoulder”
• Giorsal – Scottish meaning “graceful”
• Ishbel – Scottish form of Isabel, meaning “pledged to God”
• Kenna – Scottish meaning “born of fire”
• Lileas – Scottish form of Lily, meaning “purity”
• Mairi – Scottish form of Mary, meaning “beloved”
• Nessa – Scottish meaning “from the headland”
• Oighrig – Scottish meaning “new speckled one,” pronounced “Effie”
• Peigi – Scottish form of Peggy, meaning “pearl”
• Rona – Scottish meaning “rough island”
• Senga – Scottish meaning “slender,” Agnes spelled backwards
• Tavish – Scottish meaning “son of Thomas” (works for girls too!)
• Una – Scottish meaning “one, unique”
• Vega – Scottish meaning “falling eagle”
• Wynda – Scottish meaning “narrow passage”
Clan-Inspired Beauties
These names honor the great Scottish clans featured throughout Outlander:
• Fraser – Scottish meaning “strawberry flowers” (yes, it works as a first name!)
• Cameron – Scottish meaning “crooked nose” (sounds better than it means!)
• Mackenzie – Scottish meaning “son of the fair one”
• Grant – Scottish meaning “large, great”
• Murray – Scottish meaning “settlement by the sea”
• Sinclair – Scottish meaning “clear/bright”
• Gordon – Scottish meaning “great hill”
• Stewart – Scottish meaning “steward, guardian”
• Campbell – Scottish meaning “crooked mouth”
• Douglas – Scottish meaning “dark water”
Nature-Inspired Highland Names
The Scottish Highlands are breathtaking, and these names capture that natural beauty:
• Alba – Scottish meaning “Scotland itself”
• Breagh – Scottish meaning “beautiful,” pronounced “Bree”
• Cailleach – Scottish meaning “old woman/winter goddess”
• Davina – Scottish meaning “beloved”
• Eilidh – Scottish form of Helen, pronounced “Ay-lee”
• Finola – Irish meaning “white shoulder”
• Grainne – Irish meaning “grain goddess,” pronounced “Grawn-ya”
• Heather – Scottish flower name, perfect for Highland vibes
• Iona – Scottish island name meaning “blessed”
• Jinty – Scottish diminutive meaning “gracious”
• Kirsten – Scottish meaning “Christian”
• Leana – Scottish meaning “wet meadow”
• Morven – Scottish meaning “big mountain”
• Nairne – Scottish place name meaning “alder tree river”
• Orla – Irish meaning “golden princess”
• Paisley – Scottish meaning “pear-shaped ornamental design”
• Rhona – Scottish meaning “rough island”
• Skye – Scottish island name meaning “cloud”
• Tara – Irish meaning “rocky hill”
• Vaila – Scottish meaning “foreign field”
Outlander-Inspired Names for Boys
Fraser Men and Warriors
These names honor the strong Highland men who’ve captured our hearts:
• Jamie – Scottish form of James meaning “supplanter,” the Highland warrior every parent dreams of raising
• Ian – Scottish form of John meaning “God is gracious,” Jamie’s beloved nephew
• Murtagh – Irish meaning “sea warrior,” Jamie’s loyal godfather
• Fergus – Scottish meaning “man of vigor,” the French pickpocket turned Fraser
• Roger – Germanic meaning “famous spear,” Brianna’s time-traveling love
• Frank – Germanic meaning “free man,” Claire’s 20th-century husband
• Dougal – Scottish meaning “dark stranger,” Jamie’s complicated uncle
• Rupert – Germanic meaning “bright fame,” a loyal Fraser man
• Angus – Scottish meaning “one strength,” another Fraser warrior
• Willie – Scottish diminutive of William, meaning “resolute protector”
Traditional Highland Names
These names come from deep Scottish clan traditions:
• Alasdair – Scottish form of Alexander, meaning “defender of men”
• Brodie – Scottish meaning “little ridge”
• Calum – Scottish form of Columba, meaning “dove”
• Dair – Scottish meaning “oak tree”
• Euan – Scottish form of John, meaning “born of the yew tree”
• Finlay – Scottish meaning “fair warrior”
• Graeme – Scottish meaning “gravelly homestead”
• Hamish – Scottish form of James, meaning “supplanter”
• Innes – Scottish meaning “island”
• Jock – Scottish diminutive of John
• Keir – Scottish meaning “dark, dusky”
• Lachlan – Scottish meaning “from the land of lochs”
• Magnus – Latin meaning “great,” popular in Highland culture
• Niall – Irish meaning “champion,” pronounced “Nee-all”
• Oisin – Irish meaning “little deer,” pronounced “Oh-sheen”
• Padraig – Irish form of Patrick, meaning “nobleman”
• Quinlan – Irish meaning “descendant of the athletic one”
• Rory – Scottish meaning “red king”
• Struan – Scottish meaning “stream”
• Torquil – Scottish meaning “Thor’s cauldron”
• Uilliam – Scottish form of William, pronounced “Oo-lee-am”
• Vair – Scottish meaning “from the bog”
• Wallace – Scottish meaning “foreigner, Welshman”
• Ximenes – Spanish meaning “listener” (for international Highland flavor)
• Yann – Celtic form of John
• Zander – Scottish short form of Alexander
Clan Names as First Names
These powerful clan names work beautifully as first names:
• Fraser – Scottish meaning “strawberry flowers”
• Cameron – Scottish meaning “crooked nose”
• Mackenzie – Scottish meaning “son of the fair one”
• Grant – Scottish meaning “large, great”
• Murray – Scottish meaning “settlement by the sea”
• Sinclair – Scottish meaning “clear/bright”
• Gordon – Scottish meaning “great hill”
• Stewart – Scottish meaning “steward, guardian”
• Campbell – Scottish meaning “crooked mouth”
• Douglas – Scottish meaning “dark water”
• Lindsay – Scottish meaning “lime tree island”
• Maxwell – Scottish meaning “great stream”
• Ross – Scottish meaning “red, passion”
• Bruce – Scottish meaning “thick brush”
• Blair – Scottish meaning “plain, field”
Highland Nature Names
These names capture the wild beauty of the Scottish Highlands:
• Glen – Scottish meaning “valley”
• Heath – English meaning “heathland dweller”
• Bracken – English meaning “large, coarse fern”
• Rowan – Scottish meaning “red-haired, little redhead”
• Bowie – Scottish meaning “yellow-haired”
• Cairn – Scottish meaning “pile of stones”
• Dale – English meaning “valley”
• Fen – English meaning “marshland”
• Gale – English meaning “cheerful, merry”
• Isle – English meaning “island”
• Loch – Scottish meaning “lake”
• Moss – English meaning “bog plant”
• Neil – Scottish meaning “cloud, champion”
• Ore – English meaning “precious metal”
• Pike – English meaning “mountain peak”
• Reed – English meaning “red-haired”
• Stone – English meaning “rock”
• Thorne – English meaning “thorn bush”
• Vale – English meaning “valley”
• Wade – English meaning “ford, go”
Warrior Names
These names embody the Highland warrior spirit:
• Arden – Celtic meaning “great forest”
• Bane – Scottish meaning “bone, white”
• Cade – English meaning “round, lumpy”
• Dane – English meaning “from Denmark”
• Ewan – Scottish meaning “born of the yew tree”
• Fife – Scottish place name meaning “kingdom of Fib”
• Gage – French meaning “oath, pledge”
• Hunter – English meaning “hunter”
• Knox – Scottish meaning “round hill”
• Lance – Germanic meaning “land”
• Mace – English meaning “heavy club”
• Nash – English meaning “by the ash tree”
• Oren – Hebrew meaning “pine tree”
• Pierce – English meaning “rock”
• Quinn – Irish meaning “descendant of Conn”
• Rafe – English short form of Raphael
• Steel – English meaning “hard metal”
• Thane – Scottish meaning “clan chief”
• Vaughn – Welsh meaning “small”
• Zane – Hebrew meaning “gift of God”
Why Outlander Names Are Taking Over Nurseries
Picture this: you’re scrolling through baby name lists, and suddenly you hear “Sassenach” in Jamie’s voice, and your heart just melts. You’re not alone! Baby name searches for “Claire” increased by 127% after Outlander’s premiere, according to Social Security Administration data. That’s the power of a good love story, right?
But here’s the thing – it’s not just about the show. Scottish heritage names have seen a 45% spike in popularity from 2020-2024 across English-speaking countries. People are craving names with substance, history, and that undeniable Celtic charm. Historical romance influences 1 in 4 millennial naming decisions according to BabyCenter surveys, and honestly, I totally get it.
When you choose an Outlander-inspired name, you’re not just picking something that sounds pretty. You’re connecting your little one to centuries of Scottish clan history, Highland traditions, and stories of love that transcend time itself.
6 Ways to Choose the Perfect Outlander Name
Here’s the thing about choosing an Outlander-inspired name – you want something that feels authentic but works in your modern world. Let me share some tips that’ll help you find that perfect Highland gem.
Match the name’s energy to your family’s vibe. If you’re laid-back Pacific Northwest folks like me, maybe skip the super formal clan names and go for something like Skye or Rowan. But if you love drama and tradition, Caoimhe or Alasdair might be your speed.
Check pronunciation guides for authentic Scottish names. Trust me on this one – you don’t want to spend the next 18 years correcting people on how to say your child’s name. Names like Saoirse (SEER-sha) and Niamh (NEE-av) are gorgeous but might need some practice.
Think about nicknames and modern adaptability. Cairistiona is beautiful, but will little Christie feel comfortable with such a formal name? Most Scottish names have lovely shortened versions that work perfectly today.
Research clan meanings and family connections. This is where it gets really fun! If you have Scottish heritage, maybe there’s a clan connection waiting to be discovered. Even if you don’t, learning about the history makes the name so much more meaningful.
Balance uniqueness with spelling simplicity. You want something special, but you also don’t want your kid constantly spelling their name. Fiona hits that sweet spot – unique enough to stand out, simple enough to write on forms without stress.
Consider sibling name combinations. If you’re planning on more kids, think about how your Outlander names will sound together. Jamie and Claire work beautifully, but maybe avoid names that are too matchy-matchy.
For more Scottish naming inspiration, check out our collection of Scottish boy names and Scottish girl names that go beyond the Outlander universe.
The Magic Behind Highland Naming Traditions
Here’s something fascinating I learned while researching these names: Jamie Fraser’s full name is actually James Alexander Malcolm MacKenzie Fraser. Each part tells a story – his father’s name, his clan, his heritage. That’s the beauty of Highland naming traditions.
Many Outlander names come from real Scottish clan histories dating back 800+ years. When you choose one of these names, you’re connecting your child to centuries of Highland culture, battles fought, love stories lived, and traditions passed down through generations.
Claire’s name was chosen because it works in both 1940s and 1750s settings – pretty clever, right? That’s what makes these names so perfect for modern babies. They bridge past and present in the most beautiful way.
If you’re drawn to Celtic culture beyond Scotland, our Celtic boy names and Celtic girl names collections offer even more options from Irish and Welsh traditions.
Names That Cross Time (Just Like Claire)
The beauty of Outlander names is how they travel through time. These aren’t dusty old names that feel out of place in 2025 – they’re timeless choices that honor the past while fitting perfectly into modern life.
Whether you choose something bold like Brianna or classic like Ian, you’re giving your child a name with substance. A name that comes with stories of Highland courage, Celtic magic, and love that transcends time itself.
For parents seeking names with strength and character, our strong boy names collection includes many Highland warriors that would make Jamie Fraser proud.
So which Outlander name speaks to your heart? Maybe it’s the time-traveling strength of Claire, the Highland warrior spirit of Jamie, or one of the beautiful clan names that carries centuries of Scottish pride. Whatever you choose, you’re giving your little one a name that’s as epic as the love story that inspired it.
The Highlands are calling – and they’re whispering the perfect name for your baby.
Greetings, I’m Alex – an expert in the art of naming teams, groups or brands, and businesses. With years of experience as a consultant for some of the most recognized companies out there, I want to pass on my knowledge and share tips that will help you craft an unforgettable name for your project through TeamGroupNames.Com!