← All names

Oban

Boy / Girl name · 57 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Oban: 57 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to both boys and girls, peaking at 12 births in 2024.

The name Oban is most familiar as a place name, directly borrowed from the Scottish town on the west coast, whose Gaelic name *An t-Òban* means "the little bay." As a given name, it's a modern and place-inspired choice, celebrating the town famous as the "Seafood Capital of Scotland" and as a picturesque gateway to the Hebrides. There are no widely known historical bearers named Oban, making it a relatively blank slate for a child. Its sound is strong and crisp, sharing an initial "O" with the Gaelic *Oighrig*, an early form of Euphemia, but its true roots lie purely in Scotland’s coastal geography. For parents seeking a name that immediately evokes lochs, ferries, and Highland scenery, Oban offers a direct and distinctive connection.