WeeNames Scotland’s favourite name finder

← All names

Carys

Girl name · 590 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Carys: 590 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 51 births in 2007.

From the Welsh "caru" meaning "to love," Carys translates poetically as "love" or "beloved," sharing its root with the affectionate terms "carad" and "cariad." While not as common in Scotland as in Wales, the name gained wider recognition through actress Carys Zeta Douglas, daughter of Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones. The Welsh town of Carrog, whose name flows from the same linguistic source, echoes this warm meaning. As a modern given name, Carys only truly entered the Scottish baby name charts in the late 20th century, yet its melodic simplicity and heartfelt meaning have steadily won over parents seeking something gently distinctive with a clear Celtic heritage.

Girl 38 of 52 years

Peak year
200751 babies
Latest (2024)
#4317 babies
Total births
590since 1981
5-year trend
▼ 53%vs prior 5y
1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2007 · 51
Births per year in Scotland. Missing years had a count of 2 or fewer (suppressed by NRS).