Winter has well and truly arrived, bringing with it frosty mornings, chilly fingers and ice-covered foliage.
Parents-to-be are always on the hunt for the perfect name for their new arrival. If you’re a fan of the enchanting winter season, captivated by the majestic mountains, icy-blue lakes and breathtaking landscapes of Scotland, then this list of unique Scottish-inspired winter baby names is ideal.
The pregnancy wellbeing experts at One Tribe have compiled a list of distinctive, winter-themed baby names, using the latest data from the National Records of Scotland to reveal the top 15 most popular Scottish girls names.
Let’s take a closer look at the top five…
1. Cora
Topping the list of winter-inspired baby names is Cora. According to the National Records of Scotland, 70 girls were christened Cora in 2023.
The name Cora, meaning ‘dove’ in Hebrew, brings to mind the pristine white of Scotland’s snow-capped peaks. A timeless moniker, Cora captures the tranquillity of Scottish winter mornings.
Its gentle sound mirrors the delicate beauty of frost-kissed leaves in the countryside, with a simplicity that feels as pure and fresh as newly fallen snow on a Highland glen.
2. Alba
Coming in second on the list of winter-inspired baby girl names is Alba, with 57 bairns named Alba in Scotland in 2023. Besides meaning ‘white’ or ‘bright’, reflecting the brilliance of sunlight sparkling on white snow, Alba is also the Gaelic term for ‘Scotland’, making it a name that beautifully ties together the country and the winter season.
Alba encapsulates the beauty of snow-covered peaks in Scotland, evoking the purity of a crisp winter’s day in the Highlands.
3. Iona
The third most popular winter baby girl name on the list is Iona, with 53 bairns christened Iona in 2023 in Scotland. Derived from the Gaelic word for ‘island’, Iona is a serene Hebridean island in Scotland, perfectly capturing the tranquillity of Scotland’s remote coastlines in winter.
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As waves crash against frosty shores, Iona symbolises peace, resilience, and the beauty of untouched nature, all hallmarks of the season.
4. Lucia
Ranking fourth among the most popular winter-inspired names for baby girls in Scotland is Lucia, bestowed upon 51 little ones in 2023, which translates to ‘light’. This name radiates warmth, much like a candle shining bright in the darkness, symbolising the return of light during the longest nights of winter, reminiscent of Scotland’s breathtaking sunrises over snow-covered landscapes.
Its association with Saint Lucia adds a festive and heartwarming ambiance.
5. Blake
In fifth place among the most popular winter-inspired names for baby girls in Scotland is Blake, given to 34 baby lassies in 2023. With its dual origins in Old English, Blake is a captivating choice for a winter-inspired name.
It can signify either “dark” (derived from the Old English blc) or “fair/pale” (from the Old English blac). This duality lends Blake a unique charm, as it embodies the striking contrasts of winter landscapes, juxtaposing dark nights against snowy whites.
Its contemporary, robust sound pairs exquisitely with the rugged allure of Scotland’s winter scenery, making it a stunning choice for a baby born during this enchanting time of year.
Top 15 winter baby girl names
- Cora
- Alba
- Iona
- Lucia
- Blake
- Ailsa
- Scarlett
- Caitlin
- Neve
- Ember
- Aine
- Christina
- Fiona
- Sorcha
- Aisling
- Fionnuala
- Murieann
- Orlaigh
- Ailith
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