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Hope

Girl name · 1,221 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Hope: 1,221 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 69 births in 2019.

Hope is a direct and uplifting virtue name drawn from the Old English word *hopa*, meaning "confidence in the future" or "desire for a positive outcome." It entered regular use as a first name among Puritans in the 17th century, who favoured such clear moral qualities for their children. The name carries a strong literary and historical lineage thanks to Anthony Hope, the novelist who created the dashing hero of *The Prisoner of Zenda*. In modern times, it is perhaps most strongly associated with the beloved American actress and comedian Goldie Hawn's daughter, Kate Hudson, who named her son Ryder Hope, keeping the name in the celebrity spotlight. The Scottish town of Hopetoun, near Edinburgh, shares the same root word, while the famous Hope Diamond's name is a more accidental, family-surname connection. Interestingly, Hope sees consistent, modest usage in Scotland, often chosen by families for whom its simple, powerful meaning outweighs trends.