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Orran

Boy name · 26 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Orran: 26 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 5 births in 2018.

Orran is a lesser-seen name primarily of Gaelic origin, derived from the old Irish name Odhrán, meaning "little pale green one" or "little sallow one," a diminutive of *odhar* (dun, pale). It shares roots with the more familiar spelling Odhran and the English-adapted Orin. The most famous bearer is Saint Odhrán, a 6th-century Irish monk who accompanied Saint Columba to Iona and later became Scotland’s first Christian martyr—his hermitage, Tobar Odhráin, marks his name on the isle. There is no major modern place connection, but the name’s ancient association with Iona gives it a quiet, spiritual resonance. Unlike the more widespread Orran or Odhran, this variant feels fresh yet deeply rooted in early Celtic Christianity.