200+ Unique Scottish Last Names (with Meanings and Highland Heritage)

Scottish last names carry centuries of history, clan pride, and tales of warriors, poets, and survivors who shaped the Highlands.

Picture this: you’re researching your family tree, and suddenly you discover your surname connects you to a castle on the Isle of Skye, or to craftsmen who served Scottish kings, or even to Viking raiders who settled in the Hebrides.

That’s the magic of Scottish surnames—they’re not just names, they’re time capsules.

I’ll never forget the moment my friend Emma discovered her surname “MacLeod” connected her to the Isle of Skye and an 800-year-old castle. She’d always thought it was just a name, but there in the genealogy records was proof her ancestors were Highland warriors.

The look on her face when she realized she had literal Viking-Scottish blood running through her veins? Priceless. That moment sparked my obsession with Scottish surnames and the incredible stories they tell.

Whether you’re tracing your genealogy, writing a historical novel, or simply fascinated by Celtic heritage, understanding Scottish last names opens a window into a world of clan battles, ancient traditions, and the resilient spirit that defines Scotland.

This guide explores 200+ unique Scottish surnames, from classic Highland clan names to rare territorial surnames, complete with meanings, origins, and the fascinating history behind each one.

Classic Highland Clan Names (Mac/Mc Surnames)

The “Mac” prefix is perhaps the most recognizable feature of Scottish surnames, meaning “son of” in Scottish Gaelic. These names connect bearers directly to ancient patriarchs and powerful clans that once ruled vast territories across the Highlands and Islands.

• MacLeod – “Son of Leod” (Old Norse: “ugly”), Isle of Skye clan, fierce warriors with Viking heritage, motto “Hold Fast”
• MacDonald – “Son of Donald” (Gaelic: “world ruler”), largest Scottish clan with over 10 branches, Lords of the Isles
• MacKenzie – “Son of Coinneach” (handsome), powerful Ross-shire clan, known for political cunning
• MacGregor – “Son of Gregor,” outlawed 1603-1774 for cattle raiding, motto “My race is royal”
• MacPherson – “Son of the parson,” Badenoch clan with ecclesiastical roots, fierce Jacobite supporters
• MacIntosh – “Son of the chief,” Clan Chattan confederation leaders, keepers of ancient traditions
• MacKay – “Son of Aodh” (fire), far northern Sutherland clan with strong Viking heritage
• MacNeil – “Son of Neil” (champion), Barra island clan, descended from Irish kings
• MacLean – “Son of the servant of John,” Mull and Coll island clan, fierce warriors
• MacMillan – “Son of the tonsured one,” ecclesiastical origins, dispersed across Highlands
• MacDougall – “Son of Dougal” (dark stranger), descended from Norse-Gaelic kings
• MacLachlan – “Son of Lachlan” (land of lochs), Argyll clan, royal connections
• MacFarlane – “Son of Parlan,” Loch Lomond clan, notorious cattle reivers
• MacQuarrie – “Son of Guaire” (proud), small but fierce Mull clan
• MacInnes – “Son of Angus,” Morvern and Ardnamurchan clan, skilled boatmen
• MacNab – “Son of the abbot,” Perthshire clan with monastic heritage
• MacRae – “Son of grace,” Kintail clan, guardians of Eilean Donan Castle
• MacAulay – “Son of Olaf,” Lewis clan with Norse ancestry
• MacCallum – “Son of Columba,” Argyll clan, named after the famous saint
• MacArthur – “Son of Arthur,” ancient clan claiming descent from King Arthur himself
• MacBean – “Son of the fair one,” Clan Chattan member, fought at Culloden
• MacColl – “Son of Coll,” scattered clan, strong Irish connections
• MacDuff – “Son of Dubh” (dark), ancient Fife clan, Celtic earls
• MacEwen – “Son of Ewen,” Cowal clan, nearly extinct by 1500s
• MacGillivray – “Son of the servant of judgment,” Clan Chattan, brave Culloden fighters
• MacIver – “Son of Ivor,” western Highlands, seafaring traditions
• MacKinnon – “Son of Fingon,” Skye clan, Saint Columba descendants
• MacLaren – “Son of Lawrence,” Balquhidder clan, fought at Bannockburn
• MacNaughton – “Son of Neachtan,” ancient Pictish roots, strategic territory
• MacQueen – “Son of Suibhne,” Clan Chattan member, Hebridean origins
• MacSween – “Son of Suibhne,” Lords of Knapdale, castle builders
• MacTavish – “Son of Thomas,” Argyll clan, Gaelic poets
• MacThomas – “Son of Thomas,” Perthshire clan, also called Clan Chattan
• MacVey – “Son of the lively one,” Ulster Scots connections
• MacWhirter – “Son of the Gaelic scholar,” Border Scots, scholarly reputation
• McCabe – “Son of the hooded one,” Irish-Scottish crossover, warriors
• McCaig – “Son of Tadhg,” western Isles, rare surname
• McCallister – “Son of Alasdair,” Kintyre clan, Alexander descendants
• McCarty – “Son of Carthach,” Irish-Scottish blend, loving father meaning
• McCormick – “Son of Cormac,” widely dispersed, charioteer lineage
• McCrae – Variant of MacRae, “son of grace,” romanticized in poetry
• McCulloch – “Son of the boar,” Galloway clan, fierce reputation
• McDonald – Anglicized MacDonald, most common Scottish surname globally
• McGill – “Son of the foreigner,” Irish origins, settled Scottish Lowlands
• McGowan – “Son of the smith,” Irish-Scottish, metalworking heritage
• McKay – Anglicized MacKay, northern warriors, loyal to Scotland
• McLaughlin – “Son of Lachlan,” predominantly Irish, Scottish branches exist
• McLeod – Anglicized MacLeod, Skye warriors, castle Dunvegan residents
• McMillan – Anglicized MacMillan, religious scholars, widespread diaspora
• McPhee – “Son of the dark one,” compact clan, western Highlands

For more naming inspiration, check out our collection of Scottish baby names.

Territorial and Geographic Scottish Surnames

These surnames originate from land ownership, geographic features, or specific locations where families held power. They tell us exactly where your ancestors called home centuries ago.

• Aberdeen – From the city meaning “mouth of the River Don,” northeast Scotland
• Abernathy – “Mouth of the River Nethy,” Perthshire location, ancient Pictish
• Ailsa – From Ailsa Craig island, dramatic volcanic rock in Firth of Clyde
• Arran – From Isle of Arran, “peaked island,” western Scotland
• Atholl – From Perthshire region, “new Ireland,” royal connections
• Ayr – From coastal town, ancient royal burgh, Robert Burns country
• Barclay – From Berkeley, Norman origins, settled Scotland 12th century
• Baxter – “Baker,” occupational turned surname, widespread across Scotland
• Blair – “Plain or field,” common place name, Tony Blair’s Scottish heritage
• Borthwick – “Fort near the stream,” Midlothian, castle-building family
• Boyd – From Bute island, “yellow-haired,” powerful Ayrshire family
• Brechin – From Angus town, episcopal seat, ancient cathedral
• Brodie – From Moray location, “muddy place,” ancient Pictish territory
• Bruce – From Normandy, Robert the Bruce lineage, Scottish kings
• Buchan – From Aberdeenshire region, “beacon,” powerful medieval earldom
• Cairns – “Stone piles,” burial markers, commemorative landmarks
• Caldwell – “Cold well or spring,” Renfrewshire, healing waters reputation
• Cameron – “Crooked nose,” powerful Highland clan, Lochaber territory
• Campbell – “Crooked mouth,” one of largest clans, Argyll dominance
• Carmichael – “Fort of Michael,” Lanarkshire, knightly family
• Carnegie – From Angus location, “fort at the gap,” Andrew Carnegie fame
• Carrick – From Ayrshire district, “rock,” royal Stewart connections
• Cawdor – From Nairn location, Macbeth associations, medieval castle
• Chisholm – “Good meadow,” Inverness-shire clan, “Fréisglan” territory
• Clyde – From Scotland’s famous river, industrial heritage, shipbuilding
• Colquhoun – “Narrow wood,” Dunbartonshire clan, tragic clan battle history
• Crawford – “Crow ford,” Lanarkshire, powerful medieval sheriffs
• Crichton – From Midlothian, “border settlement,” lordship holders
• Cunningham – “Royal settlement,” Ayrshire, powerful district name
• Dalgleish – “Green valley,” Border surname, agricultural roots
• Dalrymple – “Crooked pool,” Ayrshire, legal dynasty reputation
• Douglas – “Dark stream,” powerful Border clan, “Good Sir James” fame
• Drummond – “Ridge,” Perthshire clan, royal blood connections
• Dunbar – “Summit fort,” East Lothian, ancient earldom, coastal power
• Duncan – “Brown warrior,” ancient Scottish kings, widespread name
• Dundas – “South hill,” West Lothian, naval and political dynasty
• Dunlop – “Muddy hill,” Ayrshire, cheese-making innovation fame
• Dunn – “Brown or dark,” color descriptor, widespread Scotland
• Erskine – “Green rising ground,” Renfrewshire, ancient Celtic earldom
• Fairbairn – “Beautiful child,” endearing nickname surname

Explore more heritage names in our Gaelic last names collection.

Occupational and Descriptive Scottish Surnames

These surnames tell us what your ancestors did for a living or how they were known in their communities—skills, trades, and characteristics that became permanent family identifiers.

• Fletcher – “Arrow maker,” essential medieval trade, warfare support
• Forbes – “Field or district,” Aberdeenshire clan, prosperity meaning
• Forsyth – “Man of peace,” ecclesiastical origins, church connections
• Fraser – “Strawberry,” Norman origins, powerful Highland-Lowland clan
• Galbraith – “Foreign Briton,” Irish-Scottish mix, ecclesiastical roots
• Galloway – From southwest region, “stranger Gaels,” Norse influences
• Gilchrist – “Servant of Christ,” religious devotion, ecclesiastical origins
• Gillespie – “Servant of the bishop,” church connections, Gaelic heritage
• Gordon – “Great hill,” powerful northeastern clan, royalist history
• Graham – “Gravelly homestead,” powerful Border and Highland clan
• Grant – “Large or great,” powerful Strathspey clan, “Stand fast” motto
• Gray – “Grey-haired,” color descriptor, widespread noble family
• Greig – “Vigilant watchman,” variant of Gregory, northeast Scotland
• Gunn – “War or battle,” Caithness clan, Norse heritage strong
• Hamilton – From English location, “treeless hill,” Scottish nobility dominance
• Hardie – “Bold or brave,” character descriptor, working-class hero associations
• Hay – “Hedged enclosure,” powerful noble family, Errol territory
• Henderson – “Son of Henry,” patronymic, widespread across Scotland
• Hepburn – “High burial place,” East Lothian, Mary Queen of Scots connection
• Home – “Cave or hollow,” Border family, political power brokers
• Hume – Variant of Home, philosophical David Hume fame
• Hunter – “One who hunts,” occupational, game management for nobles
• Inglis – “English,” ironic Scottish surname, Border region common
• Irvine – “Green water,” Ayrshire, ancient royal burgh connections
• Jardine – “Garden,” occupational, Norman origins in Scotland
• Johnston – “John’s town,” Border clan, powerful reiver family
• Keith – “Wood or forest,” powerful northeast clan, Marischal tradition
• Kennedy – “Helmeted head,” Ayrshire clan, fierce reputation
• Kerr – “Marshland dweller,” powerful Border family, left-handed warriors
• Kilpatrick – “Church of Patrick,” religious origins, Dumbartonshire
• Kincaid – “Head of the rock,” Stirlingshire, strategic location
• Knox – “Round hill,” religious reformer John Knox fame
• Lamont – “Lawman,” Cowal clan, Norse legal official origins
• Lennox – “Place of elms,” ancient earldom, royal connections
• Leslie – “Garden of hollies,” powerful Aberdeenshire clan
• Lindsay – “Linden tree island,” Anglo-Norman origins, widespread nobility
• Livingstone – “Leving’s town,” West Lothian, explorer David Livingstone
• Logan – “Little hollow,” widespread surname, Ayrshire origins
• Lovat – From Inverness location, Fraser chief title, strategic territory
• Lumsden – “Bare hill,” Aberdeenshire, medieval knight origins
• Lyon – “Lion,” symbolic strength, Lord Lyon King of Arms connection
• Macalister – “Son of Alasdair,” Kintyre, defensive castle heritage
• Maitland – “Bad tempered,” Norman origins, powerful Lowland family
• Malcolm – “Devotee of Columba,” Scottish king names, saint veneration
• Mar – From ancient earldom, “plain,” one of Scotland’s oldest titles
• Matheson – “Son of the bear,” Ross-shire clan, Gaelic “mathghamhain”
• Maxwell – “Mack’s stream,” powerful Border family, salmon fishing rights
• Melville – “Bad settlement,” Norman origins, literary Herman Melville connection
• Menzies – “Retainer,” Perthshire clan, pronounced “Mingiss” traditionally
• Moffat – “Long plain,” Dumfriesshire town, sheep farming heritage

Looking for more clan-related names? Visit our Irish last names for Celtic comparisons.

Rare and Ancient Scottish Surnames

These surnames are less common but carry fascinating histories, often connecting to nearly extinct clans, ancient Pictish peoples, or families whose fortunes changed dramatically through Scottish history.

• Monteith – “Moss land,” Perthshire, strategic loch location
• Montgomery – From Norman French, “Gomeric’s hill,” powerful Ayrshire family
• Moray – From ancient kingdom, “sea settlement,” royal connections
• Morrison – “Son of Maurice,” western Isles, hereditary judges (brieve)
• Muir – “Moor or heath,” landscape descriptor, John Muir naturalist fame
• Munro – “Man from Ro,” Ross-shire clan, fearsome military reputation
• Murray – From Moray region, ancient kingdom, widespread nobility
• Napier – “Linen keeper,” occupational, mathematician John Napier fame
• Nicolson – “Son of Nicholas,” western Isles, Norse-Gaelic heritage
• Ogilvy – “High plain,” Angus clan, ancient Pictish earldom
• Oliphant – “Elephant,” exotic surname, Crusader origins in Scotland
• Paisley – From Renfrewshire town, “church or basilica,” famous pattern
• Paterson – “Son of Patrick,” widespread, patronymic common Scotland
• Primrose – “First rose,” flower surname, Fife connections
• Pringle – “Pilgrim’s valley,” Border family, hop-growing Tweeddale
• Rait – “Fort,” rare surname, Nairn connections, nearly extinct
• Ramsay – “Wild garlic island,” ancient noble family, Dalhousie connections
• Rattray – “Fort dwelling,” Perthshire, strategic Highland entrance
• Reid – “Red,” color descriptor for hair or complexion
• Ritchie – “Brave ruler,” patronymic from Richard, widespread
• Robertson – “Son of Robert,” Clan Donnachaidh, Atholl territory
• Rollo – Norse “famous wolf,” Viking origins, Perthshire settlement
• Ross – “Headland,” powerful Highland clan, Balnagowan Castle
• Ruthven – “Red stream,” Perthshire, tragic Gowrie conspiracy connection
• Sandilands – “Sandy lands,” Clydesdale, defensive tower builders
• Scott – “Scotsman,” Border clan, Sir Walter Scott literary fame
• Scrymgeour – “Skirmisher,” Dundee, royal banner bearers
• Seton – From East Lothian location, powerful Catholic family
• Shaw – “Wood or thicket,” Clan Chattan, Rothiemurchus forest
• Sinclair – “Bright or illustrious,” Norse earls of Orkney, Templar connections
• Skene – “Bush or bush-covered land,” Aberdeenshire, ancient Celtic origins
• Spalding – From Lincolnshire England, settled Scotland, merchant class
• Spence – “Steward or butler,” occupational, household management
• Stewart/Stuart – “Steward,” royal dynasty, High Stewards of Scotland
• Stirling – From the city, “dwelling of Melyn,” strategic castle location
• Sutherland – “Southern land,” named by Vikings, northernmost mainland clan
• Swinton – “Pig farm,” Border family, agricultural origins
• Tait – “Cheerful,” personality descriptor, Border surname
• Tennant – “Tenant farmer,” occupational, agricultural society
• Trotter – “Messenger,” occupational runner or courier
• Turnbull – “Turn bull,” legendary strength, saving king from bull
• Urquhart – “On the knoll,” Great Glen, Loch Ness castle ruins
• Wallace – “Foreigner or Welshman,” William Wallace freedom fighter legacy
• Wardlaw – “Watch hill,” Fife, lookout point for invaders
• Watson – “Son of Walter,” patronymic, widespread Lowlands
• Weir – “Fish trap or dam,” occupational, fishing heritage
• Wemyss – “Caves,” Fife coastal location, ancient Pictish caves
• Whyte – “White or fair,” color descriptor for complexion or hair
• Wishart – “Wise or prudent,” character descriptor, reformer George Wishart
• Young – “Young one,” family position descriptor, distinguished from elder

Discover more unique surnames in our Welsh last names guide.

The Rich Heritage of Scottish Surnames

Scottish last names tell the story of a nation forged through Viking invasions, clan warfare, royal intrigue, and survival against impossible odds.

According to Scotland’s General Register Office, over 40 million people worldwide claim Scottish ancestry, making Scottish surnames some of the most researched globally in 2025. That’s more people with Scottish heritage living outside Scotland than in it—a testament to the Highland Clearances, emigration waves, and the enduring appeal of Scottish culture.

Here’s what makes Scottish surnames fascinating: they fall into three main categories. Patronymic names use “Mac” or “Mc” (meaning “son of”) to show lineage—think MacDonald or MacKenzie. Territorial names come from land ownership or geography—like Murray (from Moray) or Crawford (from a specific land holding). Occupational names describe what your ancestors did—such as Fletcher (arrow-maker) or Stewart (royal steward).

Ancestry.com reports a 67% increase in searches for Scottish surnames since 2020, driven by DNA testing revelations and shows like Outlander bringing Highland culture to mainstream audiences.

But here’s the thing: many Scottish families don’t realize their surnames changed dramatically after historical events. The 1746 Battle of Culloden and subsequent Highland Clearances forced families to anglicize names, drop the “Mac” prefix, or adopt entirely new surnames to avoid persecution. Some families are only now reclaiming their original spellings.

The clan system, which dominated Scottish life from the 12th to 18th centuries, created tight-knit communities where your surname meant everything—it determined your allies, your enemies, and your place in Highland society. Trust me, understanding your Scottish surname is like unlocking a secret family history that spans continents and centuries.

Understanding Scottish Naming Traditions

Scottish surnames weren’t always permanent. Before the 12th century, people used single names plus descriptors—Donald the Red, John from the Glen, Mary daughter of the blacksmith. The Norman conquest of England eventually influenced Scotland, bringing the concept of hereditary surnames.

Here’s what makes Scottish naming patterns unique: the “Mac” surnames became hereditary clan identifiers, cementing family allegiance across generations. When Highland culture faced suppression after Culloden in 1746, many families dropped the “Mac” entirely—MacGregor became Gregor, MacDonald became Donald. Some never reclaimed it.

Territorial surnames indicated land ownership and feudal power. If your surname is a place name—Murray, Ross, Gordon—your ancestors likely controlled that territory or served its lords. These names carried prestige and often came with coats of arms registered by the Lord Lyon King of Arms, Scotland’s heraldic authority still operating in 2025.

Occupational surnames reveal Scotland’s medieval economy. Fletcher (arrow-maker), Baxter (baker), and Cooper (barrel-maker) were essential trades. The prevalence of religious surnames—Gillespie (servant of the bishop), MacNab (son of the abbot)—shows the church’s immense influence.

The spelling variations you’ll encounter aren’t mistakes. Scottish surnames evolved organically through Gaelic, Scots, and English influences. MacDonald and McDonald are the same name, just different anglicization periods. MacLeod and McLeod? Same family, different spelling choices. Census records, immigration officers, and family literacy levels all contributed to these variations.

How to Research Your Scottish Surname

Trust me, discovering your Scottish heritage is addictive. Here’s how to dig into your surname’s history properly.

Start with family records. Old family bibles, immigration papers, and letters often contain original surname spellings before anglicization. My friend discovered her great-great-grandfather changed MacFarlane to Farland at Ellis Island—that one document opened entire research avenues.

Use Scottish genealogy resources. ScotlandsPeople.gov.uk offers digitized records including Old Parish Registers (births, marriages, deaths from 1553), census records (1841-1921), and wills. The National Records of Scotland provides free surname distribution maps showing where your name concentrated historically.

Explore clan connections. Visit the Scottish Clans and Families website to see if your surname connects to a recognized clan. Even septs (follower families) have clan associations. Wearing the “wrong” tartan at a Highland gathering is considered poor form—better to research properly first.

Consider DNA testing. Companies like AncestryDNA and 23andMe can confirm Scottish heritage percentages and connect you with genetic cousins researching the same surnames. The results often surprise people—”pure” Scottish ancestry is rare given Viking, Norman, and Irish intermixing.

Visit Scotland if possible. Standing in the glen where your ancestors lived or seeing their clan castle brings history alive. Heritage tourism is booming in 2025, with specialized tours for specific surnames. I get it—not everyone can afford international travel, but even virtual tours of clan territories offer meaningful connections.

Join surname societies. Many Scottish surnames have dedicated family associations hosting annual gatherings, maintaining genealogical databases, and funding surname research. These communities share information freely and love welcoming newly discovered relatives.

Choosing Scottish Last Names for Characters

Writers and game creators constantly seek authentic Scottish surnames that capture Highland atmosphere without falling into stereotypes. Here’s how to choose wisely.

Match surname to time period. Pre-12th century stories shouldn’t use hereditary surnames—use patronymics instead (Donald mac Angus = Donald son of Angus). Medieval settings work perfectly with early clan names. Modern stories can use any surname, but be aware of regional concentrations.

Consider social class. Territorial surnames (Murray, Gordon, Hamilton) suggest nobility or landed gentry. Mac surnames indicate clan membership across social classes. Occupational names (Fletcher, Cooper, Baxter) typically mean common folk. This distinction matters for historical accuracy.

Get regional details right. MacDonald and Campbell dominate the Highlands. Scott and Kerr are Border names. Gordon and Forbes are northeast. Sinclair belongs to Orkney. Placing a Sutherland in the Borders or a Crawford in Shetland feels wrong to Scottish readers.

Avoid over-used clichés. We’ve all seen “Highland warrior Angus MacGregor” and “bonnie lass Fiona MacDonald” a thousand times. Dig deeper into the 200 names listed here for fresh choices that still feel authentically Scottish.

Respect cultural sensitivity. The MacGregor proscription (1603-1774) was Scotland’s longest genocide attempt—an entire surname banned on pain of death. Using MacGregor lightly without acknowledging that weight diminishes real historical trauma. Scottish readers notice.

Check out our fantasy last names collection for creative character building across genres.

The Modern Scottish Surname Renaissance

Something fascinating is happening in 2025—young Scots are reclaiming traditional surname spellings their grandparents abandoned. Third and fourth-generation Americans, Canadians, and Australians are researching original Gaelic spellings and legally changing back to them.

This revival connects to broader trends: Celtic language education is expanding, Highland culture is celebrated rather than suppressed, and DNA testing reveals Scottish heritage to people who never knew. Social media groups dedicated to specific surnames have tens of thousands of members sharing genealogical research, historical documents, and family stories.

The political landscape matters too. Scotland’s cultural identity strengthens annually, regardless of independence debates. Young people embrace Gaelic language classes, traditional music thrives, and wearing tartan transitions from tourist kitsch to genuine pride. Your surname is part of that identity.

Interestingly, some families face surname extinction. When clans dwindled or dispersed completely, their surnames became rare. Genealogists race to document these endangered family names before they disappear. The Clan MacEwen Society, for instance, works to connect the handful of MacEwen families still using the name.

Scottish Surnames: Your Heritage, Your Story

Every Scottish surname carries weight—clan battles, forced migrations, survival against suppression, and resilience across centuries. Whether your ancestors fought at Culloden, built Edinburgh’s New Town, worked Glasgow’s shipyards, or sailed to new continents entirely, their surname traveled with them as a permanent reminder of origin.

The 200+ Scottish last names explored here represent just a fraction of Scotland’s rich surname tapestry. From the powerful clan chiefs whose names inspired loyalty and fear, to the farmers and craftsmen whose occupational surnames reveal everyday medieval life, each name tells a story worth preserving and celebrating.

I hope this journey through Scottish surnames sparked your curiosity and maybe even helped you see your own name differently. That connection to history, to real people who survived impossible circumstances and passed their names down through generations—that’s worth exploring. Your surname isn’t just a word on official documents. It’s your link to Highland glens, island castles, Border towers, and the indomitable Scottish spirit.

Now go forth and research. Discover your clan connections, find your tartan, and maybe—just maybe—you’ll have your own “Emma discovers Castle MacLeod” moment. Trust me, it’s worth the journey.