Arran – Name Meaning
The name Arran is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Gaelic ‘Aireamh’, meaning ‘rugged’ or ‘rugged coast’. It is also thought to be related to the Irish name Arian, which means ‘silver’. The name Arran is most commonly used as a boy’s name.
History and Origin
The island of Arran lies off the west coast of Scotland in the Firth of Clyde. It has been inhabited since prehistoric times and was once part of the ancient kingdom of Dalriada. The island was an important center for trade and commerce during the Middle Ages, and it was also home to several clans, including the MacSweens, MacNeils, and MacKinnons. The name Arran is believed to have originated from the Gaelic word ‘aireamh’, which means ‘rugged’ or ‘rugged coast’.
The first recorded use of the name Arran dates back to 1263 when it was used as a surname by a man named John de Aireamh. In 1493, King James IV granted a charter to Sir Robert Hamilton of Arran, who was then given permission to build a castle on the island. This castle still stands today and is known as Brodick Castle.
Popularity
The name Arran has been steadily increasing in popularity over recent years. In Scotland, it ranked at number 545 in 2018, up from 890 in 2017. In England and Wales, it ranked at number 1,837 in 2018, up from 2,717 in 2017.
In terms of its international popularity, Arran ranked at number 4,919 in 2018 in the United States. It has also become popular in other countries such as Australia (ranked at number 3,841) and Canada (ranked at number 2,912).
Famous People Named Arran
There are several famous people who bear the name Arran:
- Arran Lee-Barrett, an English footballer who plays for Eastleigh FC.
- Arran Mackay, a Scottish actor best known for his roles in films such as Braveheart and Rob Roy.
- Arran Pene, a New Zealand rugby union player who currently plays for North Harbour.
Conclusion
The name Arran is steeped in history and has become increasingly popular over recent years. It is derived from the Gaelic word ‘aireamh’ which means ‘rugged’ or ‘rugged coast’ and is associated with Scotland’s beautiful island of Arran. There are several famous people who bear this name including footballers, actors and rugby players.