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Cailan

Boy name · 16 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Cailan: 16 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 4 births in 2022.

Of Gaelic origin, Cailan is a modern Scottish variant of Cailean, traditionally meaning "whelp" or "young dog"—a boyish, spirited name tied to Clan MacLeod. It shares its root with the more familiar spelling Colin. Perhaps the most famous bearer is Cailan the Hero, a legendary Highland warrior from the Clan MacFarlane heritage. The name also connects to the island of Colonsay in the Hebrides, whose name may stem from the same etymological word for "young one." Notably, Cailan has risen in popularity across Scotland since the 1990s, often chosen for its Celtic charm and rarity, though it remains distinct from the English Caleb.