Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Scott has its roots in Old English, originally referring to the Gaels or Scots. It evolved from 'Scotti' to 'Scot' in Middle English, and ultimately to 'Scott' in Modern English. The name means 'Scottish man' and has no biblical relevance. It gained popularity in the 19th century, reflecting a sense of national identity. Variants include Scotty and Scottie, with the name currently viewed as classic and strong. Notable individuals with this name include author F. Scott Fitzgerald and actor Scott Bakula.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/skɒt/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Scott originated from the Old English word 'Scotti,' which referred to the Gaels or Scots, originally a term for the Irish. It later became a surname and eventually a given name.
Meaning
Scottish man, from Scotland
Language Evolution
Scotti (Old English), Scot (Middle English), Scott (Modern English)
Historical Usage
Scott gained popularity as a given name in the 19th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, as a reflection of national identity and heritage.
Variants & Derivatives
Scotty, Scottie, Scot
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Scott is viewed as a classic and timeless name, often associated with strength and dependability.
Famous People
Scott Fitzgerald (author), Scott Bakula (actor), Scott Disick (television personality)
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 31,035 peak births in 1971
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in New Hampshire
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 13 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (1 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 1 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 424th of 7545 | 3,149 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 320th of 6773 | 5,585 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 31st of 7552 | 255,864 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 18th of 10718 | 339,526 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 52nd of 16616 | 134,744 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 210th of 24088 | 27,817 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 514th of 23106 | 6,863 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 7989th of 9107 | 10 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 8072nd of 9204 | 10 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 2055th of 12526 | 538 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1285th of 19264 | 1,395 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 2788th of 27321 | 631 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 23797th of 35406 | 24 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
29.45% 417th/1416 |
33.65% 464th/1379 |
17.16% 406th/2366 |
38.62% 441st/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
17.53% 271st/1546 |
18.38% 286th/1556 |
18.70% 440th/2353 |
15.26% 236th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
1.12% 25th/2227 |
1.32% 32nd/2430 |
2.38% 68th/2853 |
0.76% 21st/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
0.34% 10th/2937 |
0.46% 16th/3483 |
0.77% 27th/3518 |
0.42% 17th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
1.14% 42nd/3685 |
0.92% 41st/4475 |
1.19% 62nd/5194 |
0.84% 53rd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
3.91% 179th/4582 |
2.58% 133rd/5164 |
3.42% 250th/7313 |
3.07% 229th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
12.22% 487th/3984 |
9.49% 426th/4487 |
8.49% 579th/6822 |
8.11% 509th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
69.51% 1548th/2227 |
74.32% 1806th/2430 |
- |
69.33% 1924th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
38.00% 1116th/2937 |
34.48% 1201st/3483 |
63.39% 2230th/3518 |
35.09% 1419th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
63.69% 2347th/3685 |
93.65% 4191st/4475 |
65.98% 3427th/5194 |
44.01% 2780th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in New Hampshire across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation X (Gen X) generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been falling for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been falling for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, falling for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 424th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 320th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 31st out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 18th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 52nd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 210th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 514th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 7989th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 8072nd out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2055th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1285th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2788th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 23797th out of 35406 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.