Ross
Boy name · 18,926 babies recorded · 1974–2025
Ross: 18,926 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 771 births in 1990.
Derived from the Gaelic word *ros*, meaning a promontory or headland, Ross is a classic Scottish name with deep roots in the landscape. As a surname it traces back to the ancient earldom of Ross in the Highlands, and its use as a first name grew steadily through the 20th century. Famous bearers include actor David Schwimmer’s beloved character Ross Geller from *Friends*, polar explorer Sir James Clark Ross, and singer Ross from the band The Script. Antarctica’s Ross Sea and Ross Island were named in Sir James’s honour, while Scotland’s own Ross-shire shares the same etymological origin. A notable variant, the Irish spelling Ros, appears occasionally, and the name has strong associations with the Clan Ross.
Boy 52 of 52 years
- Peak year
- 1990771 babies
- Latest (2025)
- #24317 babies
- Total births
- 18,926since 1974
- 5-year trend
- ▼ 62%vs prior 5y