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Raven

Girl name · 66 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Raven: 66 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 9 births in 2023.

Raven comes from the Old English word *hræfn*, directly naming the large, black bird known for its intelligence and mystery. While the name has ancient roots in Norse and Celtic mythology—the raven was sacred to Odin and appears in Scottish folklore as an omen—it only became common as a modern first name from the late 20th century. Notable bearers include American actress Raven-Symoné and Raven Wilkinson, a pioneering African-American ballet dancer. In Scotland, the raven appears in several place names, such as Ravenstone in Fife, and it is a frequent symbol in clan heraldry. A further note: Raven is a unisex name, though in Scotland it has been given slightly more often to girls since the 1970s, and its use rose alongside a wider trend for nature-inspired names.