A 1970s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Scot since 1940
Babies named Scot per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 151 |
| 1950s | 2,769 |
| 1960s | 5,244 |
| 1970s | 3,450 |
| 1980s | 1,193 |
| 1990s | 587 |
| 2000s | 207 |
| 2010s | 94 |
| 2020s | 26 |
Meaning & origin
Scot is a concise, straightforward name with clear Scottish heritage. First recorded in U.S. data in 1940, it saw a notable peak in popularity during the 1970s, likely reflecting broader cultural trends favoring short, rugged names. After a period of declining use, Scot has been on the rise again since 2020. Its rank of 10,695 in 2025 and rarity (1 in 284,679 births) make it an uncommon choice. Though rarely given, it maintains a distinct identity separate from the more common Scott. While Scot did not appear among the top states for usage, its revival since 2020 suggests a modest resurgence among parents seeking a name with ethnic resonance.
Scot is a transferred use of the ethnic term for a person from Scotland. It originated as a given name in the mid-20th century, likely influenced by the popularity of similar short, strong names. Its usage rose in the 1970s, particularly in the United States, as a standalone name rather than a nickname for Scott.
Where Scot is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Scott
Sibling names for Scot
Names that share Scot's style, for a brother or sister.
