Celtic names and language are at their strongest in the highlands and islands where outside influence was weakest. Some Norse borrowings occurred and forms of Christian names and anglicisations are included.
The letter 'z' is usually pronounced like 'y' in 'yes' (Dalziel - Dee-ell). As in England, 'u' and 'v' were virtually interchangeable until the C14th and the letter 'j' rarely occurred, with 'i' being used instead.
Until as recently as the C19th, it was common for Scots to follow a conventional pattern of naming a child after various relatives. When a child died in infancy, the name was often re-used for the next baby. A surviving child could have the same name as a half-brother or sister if one parent had re-married.
| Child | Relative |
| Eldest son | Paternal grandfather |
| Second son | Maternal grandfather |
| Third son | Father |
| Eldest daughter | Maternal grandmother |
| Second daughter | Paternal grandmother |
| Third daughter | Mother |
| Others | Aunts and Uncles |
This collection of names was compiled by Kate Monk and is ©1997, Kate Monk.
Copies may be made for personal use only.