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Seonaidh

Boy name · 44 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Seonaidh: 44 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 7 births in 2025.

Seonaidh is a Scottish Gaelic name, traditionally a masculine diminutive of Seon (the Gaelic form of John), and ultimately derives from the Hebrew Yochanan, meaning "God is gracious." Often Anglicised as Johnny, it has been a familiar choice across the Highlands and Islands. A notable bearer is Seonaidh MacKenzie, a respected Gaelic singer and songwriter known for his work with the band Hò-rò. The name also appears in the folk tradition of the waulking song "Seonaidh Bàn" (fair-haired Johnny), a poetic term of endearment. While Seonaidh shares its ancient root with the many European forms of John, it remains distinctively Scottish—a warm, friendly-sounding choice that carries a strong sense of cultural identity.

Boy 10 of 52 years

Peak year
20257 babies
Latest (2025)
#4417 babies
Total births
44since 2007
5-year trend
▲ 59%vs prior 5y
1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2025 · 7
Births per year in Scotland. Missing years had a count of 2 or fewer (suppressed by NRS).