Ross

boyScottish Gaelic

Ross is a boy name of Scottish Gaelic origin, meaning “Headland, promontory”.

MeaningHeadland, promontory
GenderBoy
OriginScottish Gaelic
PronunciationROSS
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inUnited Kingdom, United States, Australia, Ireland

Meaning and origin of Ross

Ross comes from the Scottish Gaelic ros, a headland or promontory. It is the name of a historic region in the northern Highlands, Ross and Cromarty, and of the Clan Ross. It moved from surname to first name in the nineteenth century and is especially popular in Scotland. The character Ross Geller in the sitcom Friends made it familiar to a new generation.

Is Ross a religious name?

Ross is a geographical name without religious meaning.

How popular is Ross?

A familiar name in Scotland and the English-speaking world, though less common for babies now.

Gifts with the name Ross

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Spellings and variants of Ross

Rosse

Names similar to Ross

More boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Ross mean?

Ross means 'Headland, promontory'. It is of Scottish Gaelic origin.

Does Ross have a religious meaning?

Ross is a geographical name without religious meaning.

How do you pronounce Ross?

Ross is pronounced ROSS.

Is Ross a boy or girl name?

Ross is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.