As we approach the second half of December, Christmas is officially in the air.
Whether you have already done your shopping and preparations for the big day, or are rushing about trying to get ready, there is no time quite like the festive period. For many, the twelfth month of the year is the most magical part of the 365 days.
There is no better way to celebrate December than by giving your little one—or pet—a name inspired by Christmas or winter. There are countless unique Scottish baby names out there, and you might be surprised to learn just how many have ties to Christmas time.
The Daily Record has rounded up some of the most beautiful Scottish names that are related to the festive season in one way or another. While you will likely have at least heard of most of them before, you might be unfamiliar with their origins and meanings.
From the strong-sounding Dasher to the beautiful and majestic Ailsa, there is sure to be at least one name here that catches your eye. Read on for a roundup of 10 of the most beautiful Scottish names that have festive connotations.
What is your favourite Christmassy Scottish name? Let us know in the comments below!
1. Beira
This one-of-a-kind name actually has fascinating ties to Celtic mythology. Beira is believed to be the mother of all gods and goddesses of Scotland.
The deity is known for creating Scotland’s landscape and weather — in particular winter. If you are on the hunt for a name for your baby girl that is both strong and wintery, then Beira might be just what you are looking for.
2. Kester
The name Kester is a Scottish diminutive of Christopher, which in turn originates from the Ancient Greek name Khristophoros. The boys’ name translates to ‘carrier of Christ’.
With the birth of Jesus being such an important part of Christmas for many people, Kester is a great pick for a name if you are looking for one with religious connotations. It is also a brilliant choice if you love the name Christopher, but are keen for a unique spin on it.
3. Gaven
Gaven is a boys’ name with both Scottish and Welsh origins. It means ‘white falcon’ or ‘little falcon’.
When thinking of the phrase ‘white falcon’, it is hard not to conjure up beautiful images of a bird flying in the air across a snowy Scottish landscape. With the name associated with qualities such as self-confidence and agility, it is the perfect choice for a December-born boy.
4. Yule
Even if you don’t know exactly what it means, odds are you will have at least heard the word ‘yule’ before. It is actually derived from the pagan festival of the same name, which was later incorporated into Christmas.
Yule is a Scottish nickname that was originally used to identify people who born on or around December 25. While traditionally a surname rather than a first name, there is no reason why you can’t call your little one Yule — and it is hard to imagine a more Christmassy name.
5. Ailsa
If Yule is a little bit too on the nose for you, then Ailsa is a great subtler alternative. While not explicitly related to Christmas, the girls’ name of Scottish and Norse origin means ‘elf victory’.
Although the elves the name refers to aren’t the same as the ones you would find in Santa’s workshop, it is still a great choice for those looking for a name with a small link to Christmastime. If you are from Scotland’s west coast, you might also recognise the name from Ailsa Craig — an uninhabited island in the outer Firth of Clyde.
6. Morrison
The name Morrison is a traditional Scottish surname that literally means ‘son of Morris’. Common throughout Scotland, England, and Ireland, most Scots will probably associate it with the historic Clan Morrison.
It is actually Morrison’s other potential meaning — ‘son of the virgin Mary’s servant’ — that makes it a top choice for a Christmas baby. With Mary being the mother of Jesus, whose birth is celebrated on Christmas, it is hard to imagine a more perfect moniker for a festive newborn.
7. Douglas
While you will probably have come across quite a few Douglases in Scotland, you may be confused what its links to Christmas and winter are. It comes from the Gaelic phrase ‘dubh glas’, which translates to ‘black stream’ or ‘black water’.
It is not actually Douglas’s direct translation or origin we are interested in. Instead, it is the Douglas fir species of tree — which has been one of the most commonly used for Christmas trees going all the way back to the 1920s.
8. Leslie
Leslie is a lovely Scottish girls’ name that has lovely wintery connotations . Also spelled Lesley, it is believed to be an anglicisation of the Gaelic phrase ‘leas celyn’ — meaning ‘holly garden’.
When it comes to Christmas symbols, holly is definitely up there as one of the most iconic. While Holly is a beautiful name in its own right, Leslie is perfect for those wanting something with a Scottish link.
9. Dasher
For most people, the name Dasher will instantly conjure up images of Santa Claus’s reindeer. You may be surprised to hear that it is actually a traditional name with Scottish roots.
Although its origins are German, it is thought that the name also comes from Dasher — near Kippen in Stirlingshire. Either way, it is an amazing pick for a baby boy.
10. Ceilidh
You will no doubt have heard the Scottish name Eilidh before, which means ‘torch’ or ‘shining one’. Ceilidh, on the other hand, is a lot less common — but no less beautiful.
The feminine name is unsurprisingly Gaelic in origin, and means ‘visit’ or ‘visiting’. It comes from the Gaelic word ‘ceilidh’, referring to a social gathering involving traditional dancing and folk music, with Christmas of course being one of the most popular times of the year for these.
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