What does Hamish mean and where does it come from?
Hamish is a Scottish variant of James, originating from the Hebrew name 'Yaakov', meaning 'supplanter'. It is widely recognized in Scotland and has historical significance, having been borne by a number of noteworthy Scottish figures. The name evokes a sense of heritage and tradition, with its roots
Cultural significance
Hamish has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scotland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of supplanter.
Peak popularity
Reached #4145 in 2017 — currently #6240 in the US.
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Related Reading
Scotland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Hamish?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Hamish?
Hamish works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Hamish Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Hamish John
One syllable · timeless choice
Hamish Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Hamish Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Hamish Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Hamish Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Hamish right now?
Falling — down 234 spots — currently #6240 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #6240 | 14 | ▼ down 234 · -7% births |
| 2024 | #6006 | 15 | ▲ up 654 · +15% births |
| 2023 | #6660 | 13 | ▼ down 2052 · -41% births |
| 2022 | #4608 | 22 | ▼ down 459 · -12% births |
| 2021 | #4149 | 25 | ▲ up 1369 · +56% births |
| 2020 | #5518 | 16 | ▼ down 723 · -20% births |
| 2015 | #4795 | 20 | ▲ up 2495 · +82% births |
| 2010 | #7290 | 11 | ▲ up 3353 · +83% births |
| 2005 | #10643 | 6 | ▼ down 988 |
| 2000 | #9655 | 6 | ▼ down 1287 |
| 1995 | #8368 | 6 | ▲ up 570 · +20% births |
| 1990 | #8938 | 5 | — |
The story of Hamish
Hamish is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1981. With 274 total births recorded, Hamish remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #8938 in 1990 to #6660 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Hamish in 2017:
Hamish by decade
Hamish peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1980s | 5 | |
| 1990s | 17 | |
| 2000s | 92 | |
| 2010s ★ | 144 | |
| 2020s | 45 | |
💎Hamish has only 274 total recorded births since 1981 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Hamish?
What names sound and feel like Hamish?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Hamish also consider these
Common questions about the name Hamish
What does the name Hamish mean?
Hamish means "supplanter" — a name rooted in Scotland tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Hamish?
Hamish is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Hamish have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Hamish?
Hamish originates from Scotland tradition. Scotland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Hamish?
Hamish is a two-syllable name pronounced HAM-ish. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Hamish trending right now?
Hamish is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.