Rising since 1998, #644 for boys today.
Popularity of Lochlan since 1998
Babies named Lochlan per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 20 |
| 2000s | 407 |
| 2010s | 2,406 |
| 2020s | 2,013 |
Meaning & origin
Lochlan, first recorded in U.S. naming data in 1998, has risen steadily in popularity, reaching its peak rank of 644 in 2025. Approximately 1 in 3,945 boys received the name that year, reflecting a consistent upward trajectory over more than two decades. The name is especially favored in states like Montana, New Hampshire, and Kentucky, where its Celtic roots resonate with families seeking a distinctive yet traditional Scottish Gaelic name. Lochlan's meaning, 'land of the lochs,' evokes the rugged landscapes of Scotland, though its original reference to Scandinavia adds an unexpected layer of history. As a modern Scottish import, Lochlan enjoys broad appeal without being overly common.
Lochlan is a Gaelic name derived from the elements 'loch' meaning 'lake, fjord' and 'lann' meaning 'land'. It originally referred to a person from the region of lakes or from Lochlann, the Gaelic name for Scandinavia. The name has seen modern use in Scotland and Ireland and became popular in the United States starting in the late 1990s.
Where Lochlan is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Lochlan” around the world
Where Lochlan lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
23
babies in 2025
New Zealand
21
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lock, Laney
Sibling names for Lochlan
Names that share Lochlan's style, for a brother or sister.
