WeeNames Scotland’s favourite name finder

← All names

Wayne

Boy name · 901 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Wayne: 901 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 76 births in 1974.

From its Old English roots, Wayne originally denoted a wagon-maker or driver, derived from *wægn* meaning "wagon." The name gained lasting fame through the iconic American actor John Wayne, whose rugged screen persona made it a staple of mid-20th-century masculinity, and through Canadian hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, widely considered the greatest player in the sport's history. Geographically, the name is immortalised in places like Wayne County, Michigan, and Wayne, Pennsylvania, both honouring General Anthony Wayne, a Revolutionary War hero. Originally a surname, Wayne transitioned into a popular given name in English-speaking countries, including Scotland, where it enjoyed particular favour in the 1960s and 1970s—a crisp, one-syllable classic with a blue-collar charm that still appeals to parents looking for a straightforward, strong choice.

Boy 32 of 52 years

Peak year
197476 babies
Latest (2013)
#5904 babies
Total births
901since 1974
5-year trend
▼ 15%vs prior 5y
1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 1974 · 76
Births per year in Scotland. Missing years had a count of 2 or fewer (suppressed by NRS).