All about the name
Scott
Male
« Scott is a Scottish name derived from the Gaelic word "Sciathach", meaning "shadowy" or "dark". It has been used as both a surname and given name for centuries, with notable bearers including Sir Walter Scott and explorer Robert Falcon Scott. Today, it remains popular worldwide. »
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Meaning, origin, history
Scott is a name of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "Sciathach", which means "shadowy" or "dark". It is also associated with the name of a legendary Irish warrior queen named Scáthach, who was said to have trained the hero Cú Chulainn.
The name Scott has a long history and has been used for centuries in Scotland. In the Middle Ages, it was often used as a surname, and many people with the name were clansmen of the Scottish family known as the Scotts of Buccleuch.
Over time, Scott became more commonly used as a given name in English-speaking countries. It gained popularity in the United States during the late 19th century and early 20th century, peaking in usage during the 1950s and 1960s.
Today, Scott is still a popular name for boys around the world. In recent years, it has been particularly common in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. According to data from the Social Security Administration, Scott was the 437th most popular name for boys born in the United States in 2019.
The name Scott is often associated with several notable historical figures and celebrities, including Sir Walter Scott, the famous Scottish novelist and poet; Robert Falcon Scott, the British explorer who led an expedition to the Antarctic; and Scott Caan, the American actor known for his roles in films such as "Ocean's Eleven" and "Hawaii Five-0".
In numbers
Popularity of the name Scott since 1880
Total births
773,928
Total since 1880
Peak year
1971
30,907 births
in 2023
471
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-10%
↘
vs previous 5 years