The 10 Most Common Scottish Surnames & Their Clan History

Some surnames instantly make you think of Scotland, whether it be MacDonald, Campbell, or Fraser.

However, just because certain names are associated with the country does not mean they are the most common here. Every surname tells a story and all of the names that you come across in Scotland have a unique history.

The National Records of Scotland provides the most up-to-date information about the surnames that occur most often in Scotland’s registers of births, marriages and deaths for various years back to 1975.

The data may not represent the surnames of the population of Scotland as a whole as it includes the surnames of non-residents who were born, married, or died in the country. Likewise, the data excludes the surnames of residents who were born, married, or died elsewhere.

Nonetheless, the information provides an interesting insight into some of the country’s most commonly occurring last names.

Read on for a full roundup of the 10 most common surnames in Scotland according to the National Records of Scotland and their origins. The full list can be found on the National Records of Scotland website.

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1. Smith

With 2,719 occurrences, Smith is by far the most common surname in Scotland according to the National Records of Scotland. It is among the most popular names across the entire English-speaking world so it is unsurprising to see it so commonly here.

It originated in Scotland, England, and Ireland, and refers to the historical occupation of smithing. In times gone by, smithing was a very important role and there would have been a metal-worker in every settlement, explaining its prominence.

2. Brown

In second place with 1,970 occurrences is Brown, which, like Smith, originates in Scotland, England, and Ireland. The descriptive name was originally used to refer to somebody who has brown hair or brown eyes, or frequently dresses in brown.

3. Wilson

With 1,886 people recorded with the surname Wilson, it ranks as the third most popular in Scotland. Its origins lie with the Viking settlers who arrived in Scotland in mediaeval times.

It derives from “son of Will”, a contraction of William, and is popular both in Scotland and England.

4. Robertson

Robertson is fourth place, with 1,796 occurrences according to the National Records of Scotland. Although it originated in both Scotland and northern England, it is particularly common in the former.

Like with Wilson, it derives from “son of Robert”. Robert was the name of three kings of Scotland including Robert the Bruce.

5. Campbell

Campbell, with 1,749 recorded occurrences, originates from the Scots Gaelic “caimbeul”, made up of “cam” — translating to crooked or distorted — and “beul”, referring to mouth.

Clan Campbell is one of the most famous and historically most powerful Highland clans, based in Argyll.

6. Stewart

According to the National Records of Scotland, there are 1,675 people with the surname Stewart in Scotland. The name is Scottish in origin and derives from the Gaelic ‘Stiùbhart’, meaning steward.

7. Thomson

In seventh place with 1,658 occurrences is Thomson. Like with Wilson and Robertson, is a patronymic surname referring to “son of Thom”—short for Thomas.

8. Anderson

Anderson is the eighth most common surname in Scotland according to the National Records of Scotland. Once again, it derives from “Son of Ander/Andrew”, which itself means “man” or “manly”.

Its high prevalence in Scotland is likely due to the fact that Saint Andrew is the patron saint of the country.

9. Scott

In ninth place is Scott, having 1,194 occurrences. As the name suggests, it refers to a Scottish native or somebody who speaks Gaelic.

Clan Scott was among the most powerful Riding clans in the Scottish borders, descending from Uchtredus filius Scoti. Among the significant Scott properties are Abbotsford House near Galashiels and Dalkeith Palace.

10. MacDonald

Rounding out the top 10 with 1,146 occurrences is MacDonald. Given its close association with Scotland, many may have expected this to be higher up on the list.

It derives from “children of Donald”, which itself translates to “world ruler”. Donald is another of the largest Scottish clans, which once controlled land in the west highlands and the Hebrides.