Scottish surnames often reflect clan affiliations, occupations, or geographical features. Here’s a selection of common Scottish last names and their meanings:
- MacDonald: Son of Donald
- Campbell: Crooked mouth
- Stewart/Stuart: Steward
- Murray: Settlement by the sea
- Douglas: Dark water
- MacLeod: Son of Leod
- Ferguson: Son of Fergus
- Ross: Headland or peninsula
- Anderson: Son of Andrew
- MacKenzie: Son of Kenneth
- Wallace: Foreigner or stranger
- Fraser: Strawberry
- Sinclair: From St. Clair
- Gordon: Spacious fort
- Graham: Gravelly homestead
- Cameron: Crooked nose
- Scott: Scotsman
- Robertson: Son of Robert
- Thomson: Son of Thomas
- MacMillan: Son of the tonsured one
Many Scottish surnames begin with “Mac” or “Mc,” meaning “son of.” Clan names often start with these prefixes, indicating descent from a clan founder.
Some names reflect geographical features (e.g., Glen, Craig) or occupations (e.g., Smith, Taylor). Others come from Norse or Norman influences due to Scotland’s complex history.
Remember, the meanings and origins of surnames can vary, and many have multiple possible interpretations based on historical context and family lineage.
