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.[1]
Nearly every place-name in the Northern Isles has Norse roots (see Norn language and Scandinavian toponymy),[2] 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- (Gaelic: Gaelic; Scottish Gaelic: Gleann, valley) and Inver- (Gaelic: Gaelic; Scottish Gaelic: Inbhir, confluence, mouth) are common. Some Gaelic elements may themselves also be ultimately of Pictish or Brythonic origin, such as Gaelic; Scottish Gaelic: [[Aber and Inver (placename elements)#Aber|Obar]] (Aber-, meaning confluence; cf modern Welsh Welsh: Aber-) and Gaelic; Scottish Gaelic: Srath (Strath-, a wide, shallow river valley; cf modern Welsh Welsh: Ystrad).
In lowland Scotland, names are of more diverse origin. Many are Gaelic, but many also derive from the Brythonic branch of Celtic languages (such as Lanark). There are also a substantial number of place names, particularly in the east lowlands, derived from the northern dialect of Old English (see Northumbrian language) and later Scots. For example, -dale as used in e.g. Tweeddale, is from Old English.
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 (i.e. a word-for-word translation) of its Gaelic name Gaelic; Scottish Gaelic: An Eaglais Bhreac (literally 'the speckled/variegated church').
| English name | Scottish Gaelic name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alexandria | Magh Leamhna | The Gaelic name refers to the Plain of Leven, or the Lennox. |
| Applecross | A' Chomraich | The English is a corruption of an Aber- name. |
| Bearsden | Cille Phàdraig Ùr | Former name "Kilpatrick". |
| Beauly | A' Mhanachainn | Gaelic name means "The Monastery", referring to Beauly Priory. |
| Bishopbriggs | Coille Dobhair | Former name "Cadder". |
| Bo'ness | Ceann an Fhàil | Bo'ness is short for Borrowstounness; former name "Kinneil". |
| Cairngorms | Am Monadh Ruadh | English name for the range derived from Cairn Gorm, single mountain. |
| Cairnryan | Machair an Sgithich | "Carn Rioghainne" is also seen occasionally in Gaelic. |
| Campbeltown | Ceann Loch Chille Chiarain | Gaelic means "Head of Loch Kilkerran", and is often shortened to "Ceann Locha". Loch Kilkerran is an antiquated name for Campbeltown Loch. |
| The Cobbler | Beinn Artair | "Ben Arthur" is in occasional use in English too. |
| Dingwall | Inbhir Pheofharain | The English name comes from the Norse for a local parliament, while the Gaelic refers to the local river. |
| Dufftown | Baile Bhainidh | A translation of the English is occasionally used. |
| Flowerdale | Am Baile Mòr | Gaelic name means "The Large Farm". |
| Fort Augustus | Cille Chuimein | Formerly "Kiliwhimin". |
| Fort William | An Gearasdan | Gaelic name means "The Garrison". "Inverlochy" is used for the general area. |
| Fortrose | A' Chananaich | Name translates to "Canonry". Formerly called "Chanonry". |
| Holywood | Doire Chonaill | Former name "Dercongal". |
| Kincardineshire | A' Mhaorainn | Also known as "The Mearns". |
| Laurencekirk | Coinmheadh | Former name "Conveth". A translation of the English is in occasional use. |
| Leverburgh | An t-Òb | English name derived from Lord Leverhulme; formerly "Obbe". |
| Linlithgow | Gleann Iucha | These names may be etymologically linked, and refer to the loch in the town. |
| Lochnagar | Beinn Chìochan | The Gaelic name refers to the mountain; the English name comes from an adjacent loch. |
| River Forth | An Abhainn Dubh | Gaelic name means "The Black River". |
| Rothesay | Baile Bhòid | Gaelic name means "town of Bute". |
| South Queensferry | Cas Chaolais | "Caschillis" is an old form. A translation of the English name is sometimes used. |
| St Kilda | Hiort | Main island is often called Hirta. Origin of both names is unclear. |
| Tain | Baile Dhubhthaich | Gaelic name refers to Saint Duthac, the English to the River Tain. |
| Troon | An Truthail | Gaelic name means "The Thrush". |
| Wishaw | Camas Neachdain | From Gaelic "Camas", meaning bend/meander and Neachdain, which could refer to several historical or mythological figures. See also - Cambusnethan. |