Name my nephew - Scottish or Hebrew boys names?

I've got a curly one for you... My sister in law is due to have her 4th baby - a boy - in early Dec. They absolutely cannot even almost agree on names. She likes more traditional Scots names like Campbell & Callum & Murray. He seems to have developed a "thang" for Hebrew names like Jacob & Caleb.

So I told her I had this friend with an uncanny knack for coming up with baby names :p

The twins are almost 6, and their names are Kyle James, Findlay Ian. Their daughter is 2 this week, and her name is Abbie Eilish.

So how's that for a challenge for you! She is quite set on Scots/Gaelic type names. He doesn't like anything too "weird".

The twins want to name their baby brother Jack or Lewis *lol*

Bessie

**********************Tara's Response************************

Ooh that is a challenge! 

It seems that these two will never agree on any one name.  I hope I can help to suggest some names that might be satisfactory for both of them?

Firstly -- I wonder what Dad likes particularly about Jacob and Caleb?   Aside from both being Old Testament names, both of them end in a 'B' which makes them seem a bit edgy.  Or perhaps it is the 'C' in both name that attracts?  Also Jacob is the #1 boys name in the US, so maybe Dad just likes popular names?  The only other Old Testament name I can think of that ends in 'B' is Zeb.  Not particularly Scottish!

Secondly -- I wonder how strongly Mum wants to stick with the Scots theme.  I adore Gaelic names, but Scottish names are pretty tricky especially if you don't want something really unusual like Donnchadh (Duncan) or Seòsaidh (Joseph). Luckily they are after a boys name, when I blogged about Scottish girls names, I discovered they are most difficult and almost universally 70's retro.   Scottish boys names are a bit easier, which is unusual, generally boys names are harder than girls names.

Anyway, I have tried to think of some names that might suit.  They have either:

1. similar letters as Jacob or Caleb;
   
2. are biblical Scottish names;
3. are nifty names that have a down to earth feel but some of the spirit of Gaelic names.
4. or are a Hebrew name that have been appropriated into Scottish versions.

Ronan -  This name is a Celtic saint's name that is used in both Scotland and Ireland.  Apparently it means 'little seal' because the sea women sometimes took the shape of seals and would sometimes live with human men, their children were called ronans (little seals).  

Tòmas -  This is the Scottish spelling of the New Testament name Thomas, one of the twelve apostles.

Gabe - This funky name is a short form of Gabriel, the powerful Hebrew name of an Archangel.  Pretty nice 'B' ending sound to this name.

Stuart - is sometimes spelled Stewart.  This name was brought to Scotland by Mary Stuart, better known as Mary Queen of Scots.

Oscar- a name that is used in both Scotland and Ireland this name is said to be possibly of both Irish and Scandinavian origin and is said to mean 'god's spear' or 'deer fellow'.  This name has that same 'C' sound as both Jacob and Caleb?

Aidan - A really popular name these days, right up there with Jacob as most popular boys name.   But this time it is Scottish all the way. With a meaning of 'little fire' this name has burnt itself into popularity.   It can be spelled Aiden if preferred.

Seth - This biblical name of the son of Adam, is experiencing a popularity ressurgence, people have related this name (perhaps incorrectly) to the Scottish name Seaghdh which means 'hawk-like'.  Seth is also apparently a Sanskrit name also.

I hope these suggestions have been helpful?  As usual, let me know what you think.  Bessie please let me know if your SIL hates all these names and I might have another go.  In any case I can't wait until October to find out what they finally choose.

Tara