The name “Isla” is rich in Scottish history and has remained popular to this day. The word “Isla” is derived from the word “Islay”. The meaning of “Isla” comes from the name of an island located off the west coast of Scotland, just to the southwest of Jura.
Popularity
From the Scottish Government figures in 2012 Isla was the 6th most popular baby girl’s name in Scotland.
Famous People with the Name Isla
The Hollywood Actress Isla Fisher
Two of the most famous people named “Isla” are Isla Fisher and Isla St Clair. Isla Fisher is an Australian actress that has made many hit comedies including Wedding Crashers, Hot Rod and the show Arrested Development. While she was born in Muscat, Oman and raised in Australia Fishers’ parents are Scottish and she lived in Bathgate, Scotland for a time while she was young.
Another well known person named “Isla” is Isla St Clair. She is a Scottish singer, actress and celebrity. She was born in Grangemounth, Scotland and has been recording music since 1965. Her first recording is Dowie Houms of Yarrow, recorded in 1965 at the Scottish School of Studies in Pollock Hall, Edinburgh.
The name “Isla” is rich in both ancient and recent Scottish history and would be a great name for any girl.
Useful Resources
Our comprehensive list of Scottish Girls names.
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The name Kirstie is a well known and popular name for females. It is especially popular in Scotland, Scandinavia, and the USA.
Meaning and Origin
The name Kirstie is also used as a nickname or pet name in Scotland for the name Christine. Christine is known to mean Christ bearer. Even more so, the name Kirstie is of a Latin origin, and is used as a variation of the names Kristy, Kristy, and Christian. The Meaning of Kirstie is known as the follower of Christ, making Kirstie a very popular spiritual name. Kirstie is commonly given to baby girl’s who have a very religious background.
Popularity of the Name
Kirstie became a very popular name for girls during 2012, becoming the 580th most popular baby name of that particular year in Scotland. Even more so, there are many famous television stars who have are named Kirstie, some examples include Kirstie Alley and Kirstie Allsopp, both which are well known all across the world for their television appearances.
Kirstie’s Personality
It has been said that those who are named Kirstie have a spiritual being and are more tuned to think about other people before they think of themselves.
The name Alison, deeply rooted in Scottish heritage, flourished in Scotland’s naming traditions for centuries. It reached its peak popularity before the 1900s, and though its usage declined during the Victorian era, the name persisted throughout the 20th century. While Alison no longer dominates Scottish birth registries as it once did, National Records of Scotland data shows it maintains an enduring presence in modern Scottish society, reflecting its cultural resilience.
Meaning and Origin
The name Alison has Germanic roots, ultimately deriving from the longer name Adalheidis, which later evolved into Adelaide. These names share the common element “adal,” meaning “noble” or “noble-born,” and “heid” meaning “kind” or “type.”
Alison means a person who is noble or is noble-born
While often associated with Alice, Alison’s direct origin is more closely linked to the Old French “Aalis,” a variant of “Adalheidis.” This connection highlights the influence of Norman French on the English language after the Norman Conquest in 1066.
The name itself is thought to have originated from the name Alis or Alice, which the name Alison means, which translates into English as a person of noble and kind personality. Tracing the origin of the Alison name is often difficult. Still, it was amongst the most popular names in Scotland after being introduced to the British country during the twelfth century.
Variations on the Name
There are several variations of the name Alison, which include Allison, Allyson, and Alley, which remain in popular use around the world.
Alison has several variations, including:
Allison: The most common variant, often considered interchangeable with Alison.
Allyson: Another frequent spelling variation.
Allie: A common diminutive of Alison and Allison.
Alys: A shorter form, particularly popular in Wales.
In some South American countries, the name Alison is used for both males and females and it remains a popular choice for boys in the 21st century.
Famous People
Amongst the famous personalities with the name Alison are more than twenty time Grammy winner, country singer Alison Krauss, Coronation Street actress Alison King, and popular singers Alison Moyet and Alison Goldfrapp, more details below:
Alison Krauss: Renowned American bluegrass and country music singer, with 27 Grammy Awards.
Alison King: English actress known for her role as Carla Connor in the long-running soap opera Coronation Street.
Alison Moyet: English singer-songwriter, known for her work with the synth-pop duo Yazoo and her successful solo career.
Alison Goldfrapp: English singer-songwriter, musician, and visual artist, known for her electronic music projects with Will Gregory.
Over the year the name Davina has been associated with members of the upper class. This name is a reflection of all things that are of high class. Females named Davina are said to have an inner desire to help others and to serve as an inspiration to the people around them.
Meaning and Origin of Davina
The meaning of Davina is loved one or beloved. In Hebrew the meaning of Davina also stands for cherished. This name is the female version of the male name David.
Popularity
When having a baby girl it is important to choose a name that fits her. The name Davina is unique but it was not found in the 100 most popular baby girl’s name in Scotland in 2012.
Famous People Called Davina
There are some famous people with this name. Davina McCall is an English television personality who has hosted games show including Five Minutes o a Fortune and The Million Pound Drop Live. Also the English noble named Lady Davina Lewis has made this name known throughout the world. This name is both Scottish and Hebrew in origin. Davina’s origin came from the Bible.
Despite not ranking among the most popular choices for baby girls, the name Brenda maintains a presence and possesses a rich history, evoking a sense of classic charm.
The origin of the name Brenda is uncertain
Meaning and Origin
The exact origin of the name Brenda is uncertain.
Possible Connection to Brendan: It’s believed to be derived from the masculine name Brendan. Brendan is of Irish origin and is associated with Saint Brendan the Navigator, a legendary Irish monk who is said to have sailed to the Americas in the 6th century.
Increased Popularity in the 20th Century: While less common in England during earlier periods, Brenda gained popularity in the 20th century, likely influenced by its association with the masculine name and perhaps by the growing popularity of Irish and Celtic culture.
Population
“In Scotland in 2023, Brenda was a relatively uncommon name, ranking 1512th in popularity for girls. Only one baby girl was given this name that year.”
Famous People Called Brenda
In the world of stage and film, there were many Brenda’s in England, Australia, and the States. There was a famous Irish actress named Brenda Fricker and an American actress named Brenda Marshall. More names can be seen below:
Brenda Fricker: Irish actress, known for her Academy Award-winning role in “My Left Foot.”
Brenda Marshall: American actress, known for her roles in classic Hollywood films.
Brenda Lee: American singer, known for her powerful voice and numerous hit songs.
Brenda De Banzie: English actress, known for her stage and screen work.
Brenda Gibbs: Australian actress.
Literary and Fictional References
Sir Walter Scott’s “The Pirate”: Brenda is the name of a character in this classic novel by the Scottish author.
The name Bridget has a rich history and a strong meaning. It originates from the Irish Gaelic name Brighid, pronounced “bree-gid.”
Meaning: Brighid carries the powerful meaning of “strength,” “vigor,” “virtue,” and “exalted one.” It reflects qualities of power and nobility.
Celtic Roots: The name is deeply rooted in Celtic mythology. Brigid was a prominent figure in Irish mythology, a triple goddess associated with healing, poetry, and smithcraft.
Bridget means strength, vigor & virtue.
Popularity
Throughout the 20th century, it has been regularly used in the United States, but it has never broken into the top 100 most popular names for girls. It is still widely used in Ireland, but not as widely as it once was. At one time, the name was so popular in Ireland that Irish girls were known as Biddy in many English-speaking countries.
Historical Popularity: Bridget enjoyed significant popularity throughout history, particularly in Ireland. Its association with Saint Brigid, a revered figure in Irish Christianity, undoubtedly contributed to its widespread use.
20th-Century Usage: The name remained throughout the 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries. However, it never consistently ranked among the top 100 most popular names for girls in the United States.
Current Trends: While still used, Bridget is currently less common than in previous decades. In 2023, Bridget was the 749th most popular girl’s name in Scotland.
Famous People Call Bridget
There have been numerous famous Bridgets, starting with St. Brigid of Kildare, who lived in the 5th and 6th centuries. The pupil of St. Patrick is said to be buried in his grave with him. From there, the name spread to England and Scotland where several churches were founded under the St. Bride form of her name. Other people with the name include:
Saint Brigid of Kildare: A revered Irish saint and abbess, a significant figure in early Irish Christianity.
Bridget Fonda: American actress, known for her roles in films such as “Single White Female” and “Jackie Brown.”
Bridget Jones: Fictional character created by Helen Fielding, protagonist of the popular “Bridget Jones’s Diary” novels and films.
Brigitte Bardot: French actress and singer, a prominent sex symbol of the 1950s and 1960s.
Variations
Bridget: The most common form.
Bridie: A common Irish diminutive.
Bride: An older form of the name, still used in some places.
Useful Resources
Our comprehensive list of Scottish girls’ names.
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Something that is very interesting about the name Fiona is the fact that it is an easier word to say (phonetically) than other names. The A-sound for children to say is much easier than many other names that end in a glottal sound.
Meaning and Origin
The meaning of Fiona is possibly derived from “Fionn”, which means white or fair. This name was originally given to girl’s with a pale complexion.
Popularity
Fiona is not currently in the 100 most popular baby girl’s name in Scotland (Scottish government statistics 2012).More recently, the name Fiona was also starting to have somewhat of a trendy ring to it when Fiona Apple impressed the world with her singing ability.
Famous People Called Fiona
Two famous celebrities called Fiona include the news reader and journalist Fiona Bruce and the television presenter Fiona Phillips.
Pronounced Gray-See, 94th most popular baby girl’s name in Scotland during 2012.
The Meaning of Gracie
The name Gracie is a diminuative form of the name Grace, which is also a noun with several definitions. Grace can be a sense of poise and elegance, or having generally pleasing and charming qualities. Grace can also be used in a religious sense, either as a prayer, divine aid in resisting sin, or as an open favor or blessing from God. the qualities of the word are possibly the reason behind its use among 16th and 17th century Puritans.
Famous Gracies
Gracie Allen- a very talented performer and comedienne, star of stage, radio, film and television. she was married to comedian George Burns, serving as his partner and contemporary for over 40 years and earning a spot on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her television work.
Gracie Fields- An actress and singer whose popularity was at its height in the 1930’s, and was awarded the title of Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (DBE) for her contributions to the United Kingdom. some of her best known songs include ‘Sally’, ‘Sing as We Go’ and ‘The Isle of Capri’.
The name Maidie is pronounced “MAY-DEE”. The name Maidie’s origin is Scotland/England. The Scottish name Maidie is most likely a shortened version of the English word “maiden”. Therefore, Maidie’s meaning is a young unmarried girl or woman.
Other possibilities for origin and meaning include:
The name Maidie could be a shortened version of Margaret (of Greek origin meaning “pearl”).
The name Maidie could be a version of Mary (of Hebrew origin; meaning a “wished-for child”).
The name Maidie could be of Persian decent (meaning “child of light”).
Popularity
The name Maidie is most commonly used in the United Kingdom. However, even there it is a very uncommon name. Maidie is not in the 100 most popular baby girl’s names in Sctoland in 2012 (Scottish Government Figures).
A famous woman by this name was Maidie Ruth Norman. She was an American television and film actress with a career that spanned the late 1940’s through the 1980’s. Maidie Ruth Norman had quite an expansive career. She appeared in 73 different television series’ and had a role in 25 different big screen movies.
It’s generally presumed Nora started life as an abbreviated form of one of several longer names, Honora, Lenore and Noreen being strong candidates. Theories regarding Nora’s origins mostly gravitate in one of two directions. Honorable, valor and woman of honor are all meanings that would tend to ascribe Nora’s descent as heralding from Honora and Noreen, which also contain such meanings.
In the second school, Nora means light. Nora could as easily have descended from the name Lenore, or one of its variants, such as Leonora and Eleanor, all of which mean light.
A third school contends Nora is the Scottish feminine for Norman, which is rooted in the Germanic “nordman,” meaning man from the North.
Popularity
Like many feminine names derived from longer names, Nora has endured despite spikes and dips in popularity. Today, Nora has a stronger foothold than ever. In 2012, Nora was the 29th most popular baby girl’s name in Scotland (Scottish Government Figures). 2012 saw nearly 3000 US-born baby girls named Nora, giving the name a 107 rating. In other counties, Nora entered the top fifty in Austria, Belgium, Spain and the Netherlands, breaking the top ten in Hungary and Norway.
People Called Nora
Two famous people with the name Nora include Nora Roberts and Nora Ephron. Nora Roberts has wrote over 200 romance novels and has gained the title of an American best selling author. Nora Ephron is a skilled American writer and attributes her skills to play writes, novels, screen writes and more.
Name Profile
Girls with the name Nora are said to be very idealistic and intuitive with very creative imaginations. They work to aspire others as well as connect with their inner spiritual side in order to aspire others.
