Lachlan
/ˈlæx.lən/
Lachlan is a Scottish Gaelic name meaning “from the land of lochs” or “from Norway,” as Lochlainn was the Old Irish term for Scandinavia—the land of many lakes. Vikings were thus called Lochlannaigh.
The name has a long history in Scottish Highland culture, associated with Clan Maclachlan. In Australia, where Scottish immigrants settled heavily in the 19th century, Lachlan became one of the most popular boys’ names.
Lachlan peaked at No. 687 in 2018 with 355 births. In 2024 it ranks No. 691 with 389 births—a slight increase from its 2018 low, suggesting continued growth.
What the name Lachlan means
Rupert Murdoch’s son Lachlan Murdoch, now CEO of News Corp, is the most prominent current bearer in business news. The name is in the top 10 in Australia and remains very common in Scotland.
Three syllables—LOCH-lan—use the distinctive Scottish velar fricative in the first syllable, sometimes softened to LAK-lan by non-Scottish speakers. The name is distinctive and unmistakably Celtic.
Parents choosing Lachlan in the US often have Scottish or Australian heritage, or simply admire the name’s robust Celtic character and relative rarity in American birth records.
It belongs with Hamish, Callum, and Alistair in the Scottish Gaelic given-name family that is gradually gaining international recognition beyond Scotland and Australia.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Lachlan
Lachlan - similar names
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