Fashion
Scotland’s amazing ‘lost’ baby names that fell out of fashion decades ago
Choosing a name for your child can be an incredibly daunting task.
While of course it is possible to change their name later, in most cases whatever you pick will be your newborn’s name for life. That means it is easy to overthink it, especially with the limitless options available.
Everyone has their own taste when it comes to first names. Some like classic tried and tested picks that will never go out of style, while others prefer those that are a bit more unique and original.
For those who want their baby’s moniker to have a bit of a historic touch, the National Records of Scotland has a list of all of the names that have been among the most popular boys’ and girls’ names in the country each year going all the way back to 1935.
Included in the National Records of Scotland’s data is a list of all of the names that once featured in the top 100 baby names but that haven’t appeared on it in decades. This means that they have fallen out of style for whatever reason — making them perfect candidates for a comeback.
While not every name on the list is likely to be your cup of tea, the Daily Record has rounded up 10 of them that would be brilliant and unique choices for any baby born in 2024. We have also included some details about their origins, as they all have stunning meanings.
Read on for 10 baby names that were once popular in Scotland but fell out of fashion decades ago. Whether you are actively hunting for names, or are just interested in Scottish heritage, you are sure to learn something.
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Edwin last appeared in the 100 most popular boys’ names in Scotland back in 1952. The name, which is Old English in origin, means ‘wealthy friend’ or ‘happy friend’, and so it is the perfect choice if you want your child to live a full and prosperous life.
(Image: Georgi Fadejev / Getty Images)Given Scotland’s climate, it is a little bit surprising that the name Olive was once among the most popular girls’ names in the country. Last featuring in the top 100 back in 1941, the name unsurprisingly means ‘olive tree’. English in origin, it symbolises peace and friendship.
(Image: Maremagnum / Getty Images)Last featuring in the 100 most popular boys’ names in Scotland back in 1943, Herbert is one that definitely deserves a comeback. The name, which is German in origin, means ‘bright army’ or ‘illustrious warrior’, making it a great strong name for a child.
(Image: Lorado / Getty Images)The gorgeous name Muriel was last in Scotland’s top 100 girls’ names in 1952, and is in desperate need of a resurgence. An Anglicised form of the Scottish Gaelic name Muireall, it means ‘sparkling sea’ or ‘shining sea’. Given Scotland’s gorgeous waters, it would be a fitting name for any newborn.
(Image: Andrew Merry / Getty Images)While you still may come across the occasional Ralph in 2024, the last time it was truly popular in Scotland was 1963. Another name that is Old English in origin, it means ‘wolf counsel’ or ‘courageous counsellor’, which makes it a very strong name for any Scot.
(Image: Art Wolfe / Getty Images)Iris was among the most popular girls’ names in Scotland back in 1945, but hasn’t featured in the top 100 since. Greek in origin, it means ‘rainbow’. If you are looking for a name that both sounds beautiful and has a lovely meaning, Iris could be the one.
(Image: Photography by Deb Snelson / Getty Images)Sydney definitely isn’t as uncommon as many of the other names on this list these days, but the last time it was among the most popular boys’ names in Scotland was 1943. Another Old English pick, it means ‘wide meadow’. It’s a perfect pretty name for either a girl or a boy.
(Image: georgeclerk / Getty Images)A little more recently popular than many other names on this list, Aileen last featured among the top 100 girls’ names in Scotland in 1977. The name has Irish roots, and means ‘bright, shining light’ or ‘ray of sunbeam’.
(Image: Matt Anderson Photography / Getty Images)Bernard is a boys’ name that was last in Scotland’s top 100 back in 1968. It has both French and German origins, and means ‘strong bear’ or ‘brave bear’. It’s hard to imagine a stronger name than that.
(Image: Cris Cantón / Getty Images)Lastly, Euphemia is a Scottish name with Greek origins that means ‘fair speech’ or ‘well-spoken’. Having not featured in Scotland’s top 100 girls’ names since 1947, this graceful-sounding name is sure to make a strong first impression.
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