Scottish toponymy


Scottish toponymy derives from the languages of Scotland. The toponymy varies in each region, reflecting the linguistic history of each part of the country.
Goidelic roots accounts for most place-names in eastern Scotland, with a few Anglic names in Fife and Angus and with a small number Pictish elements assimilated into the total toponymy.
Nearly every place-name in the Northern Isles has Norse roots, as do many in the Western Isles and along the coasts of the mainland.
In the highlands, the names are primarily from Scottish Gaelic, with emphasis on natural features; elements such as Glen- and Inver- are common. Some Gaelic elements may themselves also be ultimately of Pictish or Brythonic origin, such as Aber_and_Inver_#Aber and Srath.
In lowland Scotland, names are of more diverse origin. Many are Gaelic, but many also derive from the Brythonic branch of Celtic languages. There are also a substantial number of place names, particularly in the east lowlands, derived from the northern dialect of Old English and later Scots.

Places in Scotland where the Gaelic and English placenames appear to differ

This is a list of names which are not cognate, i.e. they are not from the same root or origins. Some names which appear unrelated in fact are; for example the name Falkirk ultimately derives from a calque of its Gaelic name An Eaglais Bhreac.
English nameScottish Gaelic nameNotes
AlexandriaMagh LeamhnaThe Gaelic name refers to the Plain of Leven, or the Lennox.
ApplecrossA' ChomraichThe English is a corruption of an Aber- name.
BearsdenCille Phàdraig ÙrFormer name Kilpatrick
BeaulyA' Mhanachainn
BishopbriggsCoille DobhairFormer name "Cadder"
Bo'nessCeann an FhàilBo'ness is short for Borrowstounness; former name Kinneil.
CairngormsAm Monadh RuadhEnglish name for the range derived from Cairn Gorm, single mountain.
CairnryanMachair an SgithichCarn Rioghainne is also seen occasionally in Gaelic.
Campbeltown Ceann Loch Chille ChiarainGaelic means Head of Loch, and is often shortened to Ceann Locha
The CobblerBeinn ArtairBen Arthur is in occasional use in English too.
DingwallInbhir PheofharainThe English name comes form the Norse for a local parliament, while the Gaelic refers to the local river.
DufftownBaile BhainidhA translation of the English is occasionally used.
FlowerdaleAm Baile Mòr
Fort AugustusCille ChuimeinFormerly "Kiliwhimin"
Fort WilliamAn GearasdanGaelic name means "the Garrison". "Inverlochy" is used for the general area.
FortroseA' Chananaich
Holywood Doire ChonaillFormer name Dercongal
KincardineshireA' MhaorainnAlso known as "The Mearns".
LaurencekirkCoinmheadhFormer name Conveth. A translation of the English is in occasional use.
LeverburghAn t-ÒbEnglish name derived from Lord Leverhulme; formerly Obbe.
LinlithgowGleann IuchaThese names may be etymologically linked, and refer to the loch in the town.
LochnagarBeinn ChìochanThe Gaelic name refers to the mountain; the English name comes from an adjacent loch.
River ForthAn Abhainn Dubh
RothesayBaile BhòidGaelic name means "town of Bute".
South QueensferryCas ChaolaisCaschillis is an old form. A translation of the English name is sometimes used.
St KildaHiortMain island is often called Hirta. Origin of both name is unclear.
TainBaile DhubhthaichGaelic name refers to Saint Duthac, the English to the River Tain.
TroonAn Truthail
WishawCamas NeachdainFrom the Gaelic "camus" meaning "bend", and Neachdain meaning Nathan, which refers
to the fact that in the 11th century, a small church commemorating Nathan, was built by a bend in the Clyde near
modern Wishaw.