The 10 unique summer Scottish baby names and their sweet meanings – they scream sunshine and pretty scenery

ONE of the hardest choices for new parents is picking a name for their new arrival and both being happy with it.

There is a lot of pressure on mums and dads to get it right - after all, they are stuck with it for life.

While some might opt for something classic, others might try to look for something more different and unique.

And what some parents do is take inspiration from the season that their babies are born in.

Now that we're officially into summer - even though it might not feel like with the weather - it's time to look at monikers inspired by the new season.

We've rounded up a list of ten gorgeous, unique names of Scottish origin that are perfect for your little ones.

For anyone looking to add that special touch, we've also explained the meaning behind the range of names.

And with many relating to sunshine, vibrancy and the sea, they are perfectly suited for summer.

1. Boyd

This is traditionally a masculine, Scottish name which means "yellow-haired" and "blond".

People with blonde hair are often associated with summer because of the light, vibrant and warm colour - and hair often brighten up during this hot season because of the sunshine.

But if you're Scottish then it also has a double meaning because it is said to derive from Bóid, the Gaelic title for the island of Bute, which is located in Firth of Clyde.

The bold and trendy one-syllable name is perfect if you're looking to pay homage to your Gaelic roots or your baby’s island heritage.

And it's even more fitting if your newborn has a great head of blond hair!

2. Dallas

You might hear this name and automatically think of Texas, but it actually has Scottish origins.

The gender-neutral name means "meadows", so if you love scenic views over the grassy hills while being surrounded by beautiful flowers as you sunbathe then this should definitely be on your list.

So if you're a country fan who instantly thinks of cowboys when you hear Dallas, then it's the perfect moniker for encouraging your new arrival to embrace their free spirit.

And what makes this even more Scottish is that there is actually a small village in Moray which is called Dallas, and it is just 12 miles southwest of Elgin.

3. Eilidh

Eilidh is a beautiful, traditionally feminine Scottish name which means "radiant one".

The word radiant itself has strong connections to summertime with the bright sunshine, the luminous colours of the day, the hot temperatures and the lovely glow in the evenings.

So if you're looking for a name that exudes brightness and comes with a high energy while paying homage to your Scottish roots, then this is the perfect choice.

4. Isla

It's no surprise that this beautiful, girl's name has made it to the list.

Isla is a blissful, Scottish name that, unsurprisingly, means "island" which is full of abundance and elegance.

It is derived from Islay - the name of an island off the west coast of Scotland that is also known as “the Queen of Hebrides.”

There is also the River Isla in Perthshire, which is home to bucketloads of fish and happy fishers.

So if you're looking for a beautiful name that will encourage your baby to travel and to go with the flow, then Isla is perfect.

5. Lainey

The name Lainey is of Scottish origin meaning "bright, shining light" and is derived from the name Elaine.

It has positive and uplifting connotations and is exactly what you're looking for for a baby girl who brings joy and happiness to the world.

It is perfect for summertime as it's a name that will make you think of the bright and shining light of a new day because of its gorgeous meaning.

It also brings out feelings of hope and optimism - much like the feelings that summer can bring out in us.

6. Liùsaidh

Much like Lainey, this enchanting girl's name also means "shining light", but it is slightly different as it also means "elegant and graceful".

Pronounced LOO-sai, this Scottish name is perfect if you're looking for something a little more unique for your new arrival.

It sounds more exotic whilst also having the connotations of a bright summer day full of sunshine and warmth.

7. Mirren

If you're looking for a lovely summer name that doesn't mean bright or sunshine, then Mirren could be the one for you.

It is a lively and attractive gender-neutral Scottish name that means "drop of the sea" or "beloved".

Due to the hot weather, most of us flock to beaches and the sea during summer for a fun day out and a cool down.

So if you're looking for a name that exudes adventure and fun then Mirren should definitely be on your list.

It is also the perfect name if you're looking to encourage your baby to stay cool during heated times.

8. Moray

Sticking with the theme of water, Moray is perfect for those babies with a cool, calm and collected spirit.

This is traditionally a boy's name that means both "sea" and "lord and master".

Similar to Mirren, it brings summer to mind with a claiming picture of the ocean brushing up against the shore in the sunshine.

And it can also pay homage to your Scottish roots as there is a region in the north-east of the country covering Aberdeenshire and the Highlands that bears the same name.

Scotland’s most bizarre baby names revealed for 2023

FANTA, Aladdin, Ocean-Blu and Wolf were among the unusual names given to babies born in Scotland last year.

A full list revealed by the National Records of Scotland (NRS) showed that, while Isla and Luca took top spot as the most popular choices, some parents opted for more bizarre options.

Unique boy names included Achilles, Aladdin, Bentley, Dee-Jay, Excellent, Frost, Lavish, Mighty, Ocean-Blu, Thursday, Titan and Wolf.

While fun monikers given to girls were Armani-Rose, Delight, Diamond, Dior, Dream, Fanta, October, Pasty, Peach, Sailor and Testimony.

NRS statistician Phillipa Haxton said: “We’re seeing some of the names considered more traditional falling further down the table.

“But we do see names come in and out of fashion, so it may be that they’re more popular again in future years.

“It suggests parents are going the extra mile to choose a more unusual name.

“Maybe that’s why we see names fall out of popularity then come back in as parents see they’re used less.”

9. Sorcha

This is one of the more unique names on the list which means "brightness" and has deep roots in Scottish Gaelic.

It is traditionally a girl's name and could be exactly what you're looking for if you want to honour your little one's vibrant demeanour.

With a name like Sorcha, your pride and joy is sure to light up the room.

10. Sorley

Possibly saving the best for last, Sorley is the ultimate baby names for those bundle of joys that are born in summer.

While it is very rarely used now, the Scottish name means "summer wanderer" or "summer sailor".

So if your baby has a happy personality and feels like a warm summer breeze, then they can sail through life with this wonderful moniker.

It is the type of name that encourages your baby to travel the world whilst also paying homage to their roots.

And it is even more fitting for summer babies with a boisterous nature.