110+ Scottish Dog Names: Scotland-Inspired Canine Monikers!

Scottish Dog Breeds

You may be surprised to learn how many of the most popular dog breeds originated in the country of Scotland. From Toto to presidential pooches, many of America’s favorite breeds originally hailed from the highlands and the surrounding areas.

Here are some of the of the most popular:

• Cairn Terrier: One of several breeds of terrier native to Scotland, these can come in a variety of colors, including white, brindle, black, and grey. The most famous Cairn Terrier is undoubtedly the beloved pup Toto from the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz.
• Scottish Deerhound: In contrast to the many terriers that originated in Scotland, the Scottish Deerhound is a large dog bred for, as the name implies, deer hunting. They are typically about the size of a greyhound, and are the wiry-haired relative of the Irish Wolfhound.
• Scottish Terrier: The iconic breed of Scotland, the “Scottie” is typically a small black dog with a big personality. Originally bred for catching rats and other rodents, they are famous for being residents of the White House during the presidencies of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, and George W. Bush.
• Shetland Sheepdog: While the exact origins are unknown, it’s widely accepted that the “Sheltie” comes from Shetland, a series of islands that are a part of Scotland, situated north of Great Britain.
• West Highland Terrier: Known for their beautiful all-white coats, the “Westie” dates back to the 17th century in Scotland. Despite the differing colors, they are thought to have the same ancestors as the Scottish Terrier.

Scottish Boy Dog Names

Scottish Girl Dog Names

Scottish Dog Names Based Off of Cities & Regions in Scotland

These major Scottish cities and regions would make great names for any sweet terrier or hound!

• Aberdeen: One of Scotland’s largest cities, Aberdeen is located on the North Sea on the western coast of Scotland.
• Airdrie: A smaller town in southern Scotland, just west of Glasgow. It used to be a major center for industry during the 1800s, and today it is home to many shops and restaurants, it
• Alloa: A town situated to the north in between Glasgow and Edinburgh. It is home to Alloa Tower, which is thought to have been built back in the 1400s.
• Ayr: A resort town along the southeastern coast of Scotland, to the east of Glasgow. It is the birthplace of Robert Burns, a popular poet who famously wrote the song “Auld Lang Syne”.
• Dundee: Another of Scotland’s larger cities, Dundee is located along the River Tay on the western side of Scotland. It is known for popularizing the delicious staple of British diets, marmalade.
• Edinburgh: The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Today it boasts a variety of stunning architecture, including castles and a picturesque Old Town.
• Galloway: One of the regions of Scotland, situated in the Southwestern corner of the country.
• Glasgow: Scotland’s largest city with a population of more than 600,000. Formerly known for its role in the Industrial Revolution, it is now known as a center of culture, music, and art.

Scottish Dog Names From Castles & Forts

Consider naming your pup after one of these impressive Scottish castle or forts!

• Balmoral: Located east of Aberdeen in central Scotland. This beautiful castle is where the Royal Family stays while visiting Scotland since Prince Albert purchased it in the 1850s.
• Cawdor: Located west of Inverness, the origins of this castle date back to the 14th century. The name “Cawdor” is best known for being mentioned by the Witches in Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
• Duart: Built in the 1400s, this castle sits on the Isle of Mull. Several movies and television shows have been filmed there, including Entrapment and When Eight Bells Toll.
• Dunrobin: Located in the northern part of Scotland known as the Highlands. It is known for its beautiful gardens surrounding the structure.
• Fyvie: A castle with roots dating back to the 13th century. It is widely considered to be haunted, and is the site of many ghost stories and legends.
• Glamis: Dating back to the 1400s, Glamis Castle is located north of Dundee. It is the childhood home of Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, the Queen Mother, and it’s the birthplace of one of her daughters, Princess Margaret.
• Stirling: Majestically situated atop a hill, Stirling Castle dates back to the 12th century. It is the site of many milestones in Scottish history, including the coronation of Mary Queen of Scots.

Scottish Island Dog Names

Any of these Scottish islands would make a great name for your pooch!

• Ailsa Craig
• Arran
• Balta
• Cava
• Danna
• Faray
• Iona
• Jura
• Orkney
• Shuna

Scottish Food & Delicacies as Dog Names

Are you a fan of Scottish food? Maybe you’ll want to name your dog after a Scottish delicacy!

• Clapshot: A potato dish that is frequently served alongside haggis. It’s similar to mashed potatoes, and there are a number of flavor variations possible.
• Clootie: A sweet Scottish dumpling typically made for dessert. It typically consists of currants or raisins, as well as warm spices like cinnamon.
• Dunlop: A cheese named after a town in Scotland. Its taste and texture are comparable to cheddar.
• Haggis: The national dish of Scotland, and the quintessential Scottish food. It typically made up of sheep organs with oatmeal which is encased in the sheep’s stomach.
• Skirlie: A classic Scottish oatmeal made with savory flavors such as onion and garlic.
• Tayberry: A manmade fruit that derives its name from Scotland’s Tay River. It is a delicious mix between raspberries and blackberries.

Legendary Scotts to Name Your Dog After

These renowned and legendary Scotts serve as great heroes to name your beloved four-legger after.

• Braveheart: The famed Mel Gibson movie is actually based on a real person—William Wallace. Despite his gruesome end, Wallace is credited with helping Scotland gain independence from England.
• Flora MacDonald: A legendary heroine from Scottish history. She is famed for helping a well-known Jacobite, Charles Edward, escape to Scotland dressed as a maid.
• Mary Queen of Scots: The Queen of Scotland who ruled during the 16th century, from the time she was a baby until she was in her mid-twenties. She was executed by Queen Elizabeth I on charges of treason.
• Rob Roy: A legendary outlaw from Scottish history who lived in the late 17th and into the 18th century—he is often noted as the Scottish version of Robin Hood. Rob Roy was also the name of President Calvin Coolidge’s border collie.
• Sean Connery: A Scottish actor whose work spans several decades since the 1950s. He is best known for his iconic tenure as the title character in the James Bond movies.
• Walter Scott: A famous Scottish writer of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. His most notable works are Ivanhoe and Rob Roy.

Dog Names Based Off Of Scotland Culture & Icons

• Caber Toss: A traditional sport played during Highland Games. It involves throwing a caber—a log nearly 20 feet long—using skill and technique.
• Gaelic: The ancient language Scots Gaelic historically rooted in Scottish culture. Its origins date back to the 6th century.
• Kilt: An iconic plaid skirt for men, historically worn by the residents of the Scottish Highlands. It is worn at special events such as Highland Games, and is closely associated with Scottish culture today.
• Loch Ness: Perhaps Scotland’s biggest claim to notoriety—the legendary Loch Ness Monster is said to swim in the dark waters in the Loch Ness. Though debated and disputed by scientists, the Loch Ness Monster still captures imaginations worldwide and attracts many tourists every year.
• Paisley: An iconic pattern popularized more than 300 years ago that still used in clothing prints today. A town in Scotland named Paisley inspired the design’s name—it’s where these designs were produced during the Industrial Revolution.
• Tartan: The plaid pattern typically seen in traditional Scottish clothing, such as the kilt. The various colors and patterns can have specific symbolic meanings.
• Thistle: The National Flower of Scotland. It is recognized by its sharp thistles and bright purple flower.

Scottish Words & Slang for Dog Names

• Bairn (child)
• Doonhammer (a person from the town of Dumfries, Scotland)
• Edina (a person from the capital city of Edinburgh)
• Glen (valley)
• Scooby (clue)
• Shoogly (shaky)

Any great Scottish names we missed? Share your favorites in the comments below!

Need more dog name ideas? Check out our posts on:

• Irish Dog Name Ideas
• Hawaiian Dog Names
• French Dog Name Ideas