What’s Your Gaelic Nickname?
- Jun 27
- 2 min read
In the Hebrides — especially on islands like North Uist — nicknames aren’t just for fun. They’re how we really know each other. In small Gaelic-speaking communities where many people share the same names (hello, five Domhnalls in one village!), nicknames are practical, personal, and often affectionately humorous.
Why Gaelic Nicknames Matter
Nicknames in Gaelic go far beyond childhood habits or schoolyard jokes. They reflect your family, where you live, your personality, or even the colour of your hair. Many islanders are known only by their nickname — even on official documents, you might see “John Mòr an Taigh Bhig” before seeing “John MacDonald”!
How to Make Your Own Gaelic Nickname
You can try this right now. Here’s how the locals do it:
Start with your Gaelic first name
Don’t worry if you’ve never used it before. Choose from this simple list:
English | Gaelic |
Mary | Màiri |
John | Iain |
Anna | Anna |
Donald | Dòmhnall |
James | Seumas |
Morag | Mòrag |
Angus | Aonghas |
Add a personal touch
Now think: what makes you you? Here's what islanders add:
Family ties
mac = son of
nighean = daughter of
→ Example: mac Sheumais = son of James
Physical traits
Beag – small
Mòr – big
Ruadh – red-haired
Dubh – dark-haired
Bàn – fair-haired
Character
Còir – kind
Sona – cheerful
Gun chiall – a bit silly (lovingly!)
Modhail – polite
Sgiobalta – neat/tidy
Where you live or belong
à Beàrnaraigh – from Berneray
a’ Bhùtha – from the shop
an Taigh Bhig – from the wee house
Combine it! Now you put it all together:
Examples:
Anna Bheag a’ Bhùtha – Little Anna from the shop
Seumas Dubh à Taigh Mhòir – Dark-haired James from the big house
Calum Gun Ciall – Silly Calum (in the kindest way!)
Why This Matters
This nickname tradition is a beautiful reminder that language is connection. Gaelic isn’t just something you study – it’s something you live. Through your nickname, you’re already becoming part of our island community.
So go on... who are you really? Anna Bheag? Seumas Sona? Mòrag Ruadh? We can’t wait to find out!
