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The ‘extinct’ baby names in Scotland that went out of fashion decades ago

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6 months ago

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The ‘extinct’ baby names in Scotland that went out of fashion decades ago

When it comes to picking out a name for your bundle of joy, there are very few wrong answers.

Pretty much all names are lovely in their own special way. However, some are certainly more unique than others.



Each year, the National Records of Scotland puts together a list of the 100 most popular names given to boys and girls born in the country. It has done this ever since 1935, which makes it very easy to track the popularity of different names throughout the last century.

What is especially interesting about the data is that it reveals the names that were once featured in the top 100, but that haven’t been popular in decades. The Daily Record has decided to round up 10 of these and investigate their origins and meanings.

Whether you are currently on the hunt for a name that will stand out from the crowd, or just love learning about Scotland’s heritage, you are sure to learn something.


Continue reading for 10 ‘extinct’ baby names in Scotland that fell out of fashion decades ago.

If, after reading these, you are still on the hunt for that perfect name, 900 Scottish Baby Names: Choose the perfect name for your own little Braveheart and Celtic Names for Irish, Scottish and Welsh Babies are available from Amazon and Waterstones respectively.

Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond – sign up to the Scotland Now newsletter here.

1 of 10

According to the National Records of Scotland, Sydney was once one of the most popular boys’ names in the country. However, with 1943 being the last time it appeared in the top 100, it is safe to say that it is no longer a fashionable pick. Sydney is Old English in origin, and means “wide meadow” — bringing to mind the lovely Meadows public park in Edinburgh (pictured).

(Image: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

2 of 10

Iris is a lovely name for a baby girl, and it is sad to see that the last time it was among the most popular choices in Scotland was all the way back in 1945. Deriving from the name of the flowering plant, it is Greek in origin and means ‘rainbow’.

(Image: Cavan Images / Getty Images)

3 of 10

While admittedly sounding a wee bit old fashioned by today’s standards, it is still surprising that the last time Walter was one of the most popular boys’ names in Scotland was 1968. Sir Walter Scott is one of the country’s most iconic poets and writers, so you would think there would be more little ones named after him. The name Walter itself has Old German roots, and means ‘commander of the army’.

(Image: Bo Zaunders / Getty Images)

4 of 10

According to the National Records of Scotland, the last time Phyllis was one of the 100 most common names for baby girls in Scotland was 1954. Greek in origin, it means ‘greenery’ or ‘foliage’. We have plenty of that in Scotland, and this is one name that definitely deserves a comeback.

(Image: ClickAndPray Photography / Getty Images)

5 of 10

Bernard is another name that admittedly does sound a bit old-fashioned, though it definitely deserves a revival. Last featuring in Scotland’s most popular boys’ names back in 1968, Bernard has both French and German roots. It means ‘strong bear’ or ‘brave bear’.

(Image: Cris Cantón / Getty Images)

6 of 10

Muriel is a gorgeous girls’ name, and it is sad to see that it hasn’t been popular in Scotland since 1952. It has Gaelic roots, and means ‘bright sea’ or ‘sparkling sea’. However, for many Scots, their first association with the name will be Edinburgh-born author and poet Muriel Spark (pictured) — whose works include the iconic novels The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and The Driver’s Seat.

(Image: Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images)

7 of 10

It may surprise you to learn that a relatively common name like Dennis hasn’t been among the most popular in Scotland since 1959. The name itself is Greek in origin, and means ‘follower of Dionysus’ — the god of vegetation, fertility and wine. Pictured here is a mosaic of Dionysus from the ruins of a Roman villa dating back to the second century, seen with fruit and ivy in his hair.

(Image: Sebastian Condrea / Getty Images)

8 of 10

Marjorie is one of those names that is just as pretty as its origins, meaning ‘pearl’. Although Scottish in origin, the last time it was one of the most popular picks for newborn girls in the country was way back in 1951.

(Image: Cavan Images / Getty Images)

9 of 10

Hector hasn’t featured among the 100 most common boys’ names since 1948, according to the National Records of Scotland. Another name that has Greek origins, it means ‘steadfast’ or ‘to hold’. Those in Aberdeen may be familiar with Hector Boece, who was the first principal of Aberdeen University all the way back in the 16th century.

(Image: Photo12/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

10 of 10

Lastly, we come to Lillian — which somehow hasn’t featured among Scotland’s 100 top girls’ names since 1949. As you might have guessed, it comes from the lily flower. Latin in origin, the name means ‘purity’.

(Image: Photos by R A Kearton / Getty Images)

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