Scots Dog Names

Introduction

Scotland is known for its one of a kind landscapes, and its whiskey of course! Scots speak English as their main language, but they also have Scottish Gaelic, a Celtic language, and the Scots language which is a Germanic variety. They have beautiful words, places, and a unique culture. There’s this magical air that covers the country, and it’s supported by all the tales and myths about fairies and such. Perhaps you are into Scotland’s unique views and mystic vibe, or your dog’s origins are traced back to this incredible country. If so, then a Scots name is perfect for your pooch.

Scots Dog Names in Pop Culture

Featured Famous Scots Dog

Greyfriars Bobby

From the early beginnings, Scots have found great company in dogs; they would use them for hunting and getting rid of vermin, as well as having them as loving companions and friends.

Greyfriars Bobby’s story is a widely-known one, and this dog has become a beloved part of the Scottish culture, especially in Edinburgh, his home town. Greyfriars Bobby was a Skye Terrier who belonged to John Gray. John worked as a night watchman for the Edinburgh City Police, and in 1855, he took Bobby as his ‘watchdog’ to keep him company. They became very popular in the city, as everyone would always see them together walking the streets of Edinburgh no matter the weather.

Sadly, John got tuberculosis, and he died in 1858. He was buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard. From the very first day, Bobby would sit by his owner’s grave no matter what, even when the weather was unbearable. Greyfriars Kirkyard’s gardener and keeper would continuously try to take Bobby out, but the dog would always come back. Eventually, they decided to build him a shelter at the side of John’s grave.

Bobby’s story started to spread, and soon people started to gather around Greyfriars to watch the loyal dog. Bobby gained a place in people’s hearts, and every day at one o’clock, William Dow would give him his lunch at the Coffee House, a place that the dog frequently visited with his master.

In 1867 a new law was established, and every dog was required to be licensed or they would be eliminated. Sir William Chambers, the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, paid for Bobby’s license and gave Bobby a collar that said ‘Greyfriars Bobby from the Lord Provost 1867 licensed”. His collar is shown at the Museum of Edinburgh.

Bobby sat by his master’s grave for 14 years, until he died in 1872. Moved by Bobby’s loyalty, Baroness Angelina Georgina Burdett-Coutts asked the council for authorization to build a monument for the dog.

A granite fountain with Bobby’s statue was built in front of the Greyfriars Kirkyard in 1873, by William Brody. The monument reads “Greyfriars Bobby – died 14^th January 1872 – aged 16 years – Let his loyalty and devotion be a lesson to us all”. The monument became one of Edinburgh’s main landmarks and it is known world-wide.

Scots Dog Names Considerations

Scotland is known for its magnificent landscapes; it has wonderful isles, incredible cliffs, and the most amazing hills and highlands. You won’t see anything like it, and that’s certainly a reason to adore this nation. Moreover, Scots are kind, well-educated, with a strong complexion, and yes, they are often red-haired. They have a distinctive accent, and their English is often combined with Gaelic or Scots language, which makes it even more interesting. This country is also well-known for its whiskey production.

So, the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of a dog that would perfectly carry a Scots name is ‘red-haired’! Dogs like the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, the Irish Terrier, the Redbone Coonhound, or the Irish Setter with their beautiful red coats are definitely a great match for a Scots name. Also, Scottish breeds like the Scottish Deerhound (what’s more Scottish than this dog?), the Dandie Dinmont, the Westie, Scottish, Skye, and Cairn Terriers are definitely very appropriate candidates for a Scots name. Lastly, since the Scots descend from the Vikings they have a burly, strong complexion, so dogs that fit this description like the Dogue de Bordeaux or the Staffordshire Bull Terrier are great candidates too.

Male Scots Dogs Names

Votes	Name	Vote
6	Arthur Arthur's Seat is the main peak of the hills in Edinburgh
6	Highlander Highlander is a person from the Scottish Highlands
5	Donnan A Scottish Gaelic name meaning 'brown'
5	Haggis A typical Scottish dish
5	Laddie It means 'young man'
4	Boyd A Scottish Gaelic name meaning 'blond'
4	Gladstone Gladstone's Land is a 17th century high-tenement house in Edinburgh
4	Greyfriars Greyfriars Bobby is the famous loyal Skye Terrier
4	Loch It means 'lake' in Gaelic
4	Skye The Isle of Skye is an island in northwest Scotland
3	Arran Isle of Arran is the largest island in the Firth of Clyde
3	Brodick Brodick Castle is a castle located on the Isle of Arran
3	Glasgow It is a port city in the western Lowlands
3	Morlich Loch Morlich is a lake in the Highlands
3	Storr A rocky hill on the Isle of Skye
2	Culloden The battlefield were the final confrontation of the Jacobite rising took place
2	Faodail It means 'a lucky find' in Gaelic
1	Neach-gaoil It means 'sweetheart' in Gaelic
0	Bairn Means 'baby' in Scottish
0	Calton Calton Hill is an area in Edinburgh
-1	Andrew St. Andrews is a burgh in east Scotland
-1	Bruadarach It means 'dreamer' in Scottish Gaelic
-1	Cu-Sith A mythological hound found in Scotland and the Hebrides
-1	Dundee A coastal city in eastern Scotland
-1	Lomond Loch Lomond is an iconic freshwater lake
-1	Scotch An old-fashioned term for Scottish
-2	Alastair The Scottish Gaelic form of Alexander, meaning 'defender'
-2	Cinead A Gaelic name meaning 'born of fire'
-3	Alsh Loch Alsh is a sea inlet between the Isle of Skye and the northwest Highlands
-3	Duncansby Duncansby Head marks the most northeasterly part of Great Britain

Female Scots Dogs Names

Votes	Name	Vote
7	Elspeth Scottish form of Elizabeth, meaning 'God is my oath'
7	Sona Means 'happy' in Scottish Gaelic
6	Gradh Means 'love' in Scottish Gaelic
6	Inverness A city on the northeast coast
5	Sorcha Scottish Gaelic name meaning 'radiant'
4	Greer A Scottish name meaning 'watchful'
4	Nessie A nickname for the Lochness Monster
3	Aileen A Gaelic name meaning 'rays of sunshine'
3	Danadair Means 'adventurer'
3	Islay An island on the west coast of Scotland; it is known for its whiskey
3	Rionnag Means 'star' in Scottish Gaelic
2	Alana A Gaelic name meaning 'beautiful'
2	Glencoe A village in western Scotland
2	Iona A small island on the western coast of Scotland
2	Mallaig A port on the west coast of the highlands
2	Morag Scottish form of Sarah, meaning 'princess'
2	Splang In Scottish Gaelic 'Sparkle'
1	Argyll A historic county on western Scotland
1	Donalda A Gaelic name meaning 'world ruler'
1	Embra The slang for Edinburgh
1	Fenella Celtic name meaning 'white shoulders'
1	Inveraray It is a town on the western shore of Loch Fyne
1	Lassie It means 'young woman'
1	Saorsa In Scottish Gaelic means 'freedom'
0	Annag Gaelic version of Anna, meaning 'graceful'
0	Cairstine Gaelic form of Christina; it means 'follower of Christ'
-1	Ghrian Means 'sunshine' in Scottish Gaelic
-1	Innis Scottish Gaelic name meaning 'island'
-1	Solasta In Scottish Gaelic 'luminous'
-3	Catriona A form of Catherine; it means 'pure'